OCALA, FL (352 Today). — A multi-vehicle crash involving an overturned semi-truck shut down northbound traffic on Interstate 75 in Ocala Wednesday afternoon, sending two people to the hospital and spilling hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel into the median.
UPDATE: 8:12 p.m.
All northbound lanes on I-75 have been reopened. The northbound I-75 on ramp at Exit 352 remains closed for vehicle recovery.
According to Ocala Fire Rescue, emergency crews responded to the scene just after 3:49 p.m. near Mile Marker 352, north of State Road 200. The crash began when a southbound semi-truck suffered a tire failure, veered across the median, and entered oncoming traffic.
The semi, which was carrying a full load of corn, overturned and landed on top of a northbound Honda Civic. All three northbound lanes were blocked as a result.
Images courtesy of City of Ocala
Two Injured, Four Semis Involved
Rescue crews trauma alerted the two occupants of the Honda Civic, who were transported to a nearby hospital for emergency care. Their conditions were not immediately released.
Three additional semi-trucks became involved in the crash:
- One struck the overturned semi from behind before stopping north of the initial collision.
- The other two semis collided in a rear-end crash caused by the chain reaction.
All semi-truck drivers involved were reported to be ambulatory at the scene.
Diesel Spill Prompts Hazmat Notification
During the crash, one of the overturned truck’s saddle tanks ruptured, spilling approximately 350 gallons of diesel fuel into the grassy median. The State Warning Point was notified, initiating an environmental response.
Emergency support was provided by Ocala Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Marion County Fire Rescue, and Road Rangers, who worked together to control traffic and manage cleanup.
Traffic Disruption Continues
As of 5:40 p.m., all northbound lanes of I-75 remain closed, and drivers attempting to merge from SR 200 and SR 40 are being redirected. Officials urge motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes until further notice.
352Today will update this story as new information becomes available.