Part of I-75 remains closed for cleanup

Published 9:00 am Monday, January 30, 2012

By Jeffry Boatright
Suwannee Democrat

All travel lanes of I-75 in one part of Alachua County remain closed this morning as cleanup continues following multiple crashes early Sunday morning that killed at least 10 people, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.

Meanwhile, FHP spokesperson for this region, Lt. Patrick Riordan, said today that additional or updated information concerning the incident should be released later today including names of the drivers and passengers, as well as their city of residence, when the next of kin notifications have been completed.

There were at least 12 passenger cars and approximately seven semi-trucks involved in the crash that happened around 4 a.m. Sunday at mile marker 379 in Alachua County. At least 10 people were killed while at least 18 others were transported to Shands in Gainesville and other regional hospitals.

The cause of the crash is being blamed on a wildfire in the area that led to poor visiblity. The interstate was shut down previously due to poor visibility but reopened because officials said conditions had approved.

The following detour routes should be used until further notice:
 
For travelers using northbound I-75, they will be required to exit at the CR 318 exit which is near the 368 mile marker, then travel east until they get to US 441, and travel can resume northbound.
 
For travelers using southbound I-75, they will be required to exit at the Williston Road exit which is the 382 mile marker. Travelers can then travel west to US 27, to resume travel southbound.
 
Additional information will be released when the investigation is complete.

 

Email newsletter signup