Drivers on Florida’s most haunted road are terrified by mysterious “ghost lights” that appear unexpectedly, causing panic and fear.
For over 60 years, drivers in Florida have reported seeing strange lights on one of the state’s most haunted roads.
These mysterious lights, known as the “Oviedo Lights,” appear over a bridge on Snow Hill Road in Seminole County.
Many locals and visitors are drawn to this area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the eerie phenomenon.
The history of the ghost lights which are known as Oviedo Lights
The Oviedo Lights first gained attention in the 1960s.
According to local historian Jason Byrne, these lights are often described as looking like the headlights of an approaching car.
However, as they get closer, witnesses claim they shine brighter than a freight train and do not separate into two distinct lights like car headlights would.
Instead, they often have a blue hue and vanish suddenly after crossing the bridge.
When are the lights most visible?
The lights are said to be most visible around midnight, particularly during the winter months.
This has led to many thrill-seekers, especially teenagers, visiting the area at night.
They gather on the bridge, hoping to see the ghostly lights.
Byrne shared that this tradition has been passed down through generations.
Many people recall their own experiences of searching for these enigmatic lights with friends or dates.
‘From a distance, it resembles an oncoming car, but as it approaches witnesses say its light is as bright as a freight train and never separates into two lights as would car headlights,’ local historical Jason Byrne wrote.
‘You drive out there and sit in the middle of the night — drink beer or whatever teenagers do — and look for these legendary lights,’ Byrne said.
‘So there’s literally generations of people who remember going out there, taking a date or taking some friends in search of these ghost lights.’
The tragic story behind the lights
While the exact cause of the Oviedo Lights remains unknown, there are several stories connected to them.
One tale involves a tragic accident in 1963.
A teenager named Norbert Hyman died after a friend drove a car without headlights on.
This incident has led some locals to believe that Hyman’s spirit is responsible for the ghostly lights.
‘[The friend] drove his other two friends home and dropped them off before taking [Hyman] to the hospital,’ Byrne said.
Locals also recounted other local legends
Another story suggests that the lights might be linked to a Cub Scout who became lost while camping.
According to this tale, the boy had a lantern with him, and some believe that his spirit still searches for his friends.
Additionally, there are rumors about two boys who drowned under the bridge after a car crash.
These tales add to the intrigue surrounding the Oviedo Lights.
Scientists give explanations for these ‘ghost lights’
Experts have proposed a scientific explanation for the lights.
It is known that dead vegetation in swamps can break down and produce methane gas.
If this gas ignites, it can create a blue flame, similar to the lights reported by witnesses.
However, scientists still do not fully understand what causes the methane to ignite in this specific area.
Despite these theories, the mystery of the Oviedo Lights continues to captivate the imagination of many.
Ghost hunters and curious visitors flock to the bridge, hoping to experience the phenomenon for themselves.
The legend of the lights has become a part of local culture, drawing attention from those who enjoy the thrill of the supernatural.