(Photos: Ocala Fire Rescue)
A multi-vehicle crash on I-75 Southbound in Ocala late Tuesday night led to road closures, hazardous material cleanup, and hospitalizations after three semi-trucks and a passenger vehicle collided near mile marker 351.
Ocala Fire Rescue responded to the scene around 10:34 p.m., where they found extensive damage to the trucks, a fuel spill, and an engine compartment fire. Fortunately, no occupants were inside the passenger vehicle, but all three truck drivers were transported to the hospital—two as trauma alerts and one for evaluation.
In addition to the fuel spill, crews had to contend with an unusual hazard: one of the trucks had been hauling a cargo load of mayonnaise and margarine, creating a slippery mess on the roadway. Firefighters deployed 200 gallons of water, 10 gallons of foam, and over 1,300 pounds of absorbent material to contain the spills and prevent further hazards.
The Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Highway Patrol, and Marion County Fire Rescue assisted in the response, while all southbound lanes were shut down for several hours. Traffic was diverted at exit 352 as crews worked to clear debris and ensure the roadway was safe for travel.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
