Driver dies after trying to breach gate at naval air station in Florida, authorities say

A driver is dead after crashing into a protective barrier outside of the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, early Thursday morning, authorities said. The accident happened as the man, who has not been publicly identified, seemingly tried to drive through a gate on the federal property, according to the air station.

"At 6:30 am, a driver attempted to run the Birmingham Gate at NAS Jax, sentries deployed the protective barrier which stopped the vehicle," the station wrote on Twitter after the crash, confirming that the driver died during the incident. The station later said Birmingham Gate would remain closed "until further notice," as would several blocks in the surrounding area. 

The driver does not have any known affiliation to the military, according to the air station, which asked witnesses to call NCIS at 808-478-8353 to aid in the investigation.