OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A semi-truck carrying produce overturned on Blitchton Rd. at the I-75 North ramp (Exit 354) on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a swift emergency response from Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) and other agencies.

At approximately 12:45 p.m. on Jan. 29, OFR crews were dispatched to the scene following reports of a single-vehicle accident with a possible entrapment. Upon arrival, responders found the semi-truck on its side with a punctured saddle tank, resulting in a fuel spill. The driver—who was the sole occupant of the vehicle—had self-extricated before emergency personnel arrived.

A semi-truck lies on its side near Exit 354, leading to traffic disruptions and a fuel spill cleanup effort by emergency crews.
A semi-truck lies on its side near Exit 354, leading to traffic disruptions and a fuel spill cleanup effort by emergency crews. Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue

Due to the hazardous nature of the incident, authorities immediately closed the northbound on-ramp to I-75. While one team worked to assess and transport the driver to the hospital via Marion County Fire Rescue, another crew focused on mitigating the environmental threat posed by the fuel leak.

A semi-truck rests on its side near Exit 354 after overturning, causing road closures and a fuel spill requiring hazardous material cleanup.
A semi-truck rests on its side near Exit 354 after overturning, causing road closures and a fuel spill requiring hazardous material cleanup.
Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue

The spill, which triggered a state warning point, was contained using 30 bags of 40-pound absorbent materials and sealing putty from the hazardous material response unit. OFR says that an estimated 100 gallons of fuel had leaked onto the roadway.

A semi-truck loaded with produce overturned near Exit 354, leading to road closures and a hazardous material cleanup effort.
A semi-truck loaded with produce overturned near Exit 354, leading to road closures and a hazardous material cleanup effort.
Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue

Additionally, a wrecker was called in to assist in lifting the semi-truck off its side. The scene was cleared by OFR at approximately 2:26 p.m., but the northbound ramp to I-75 remained closed for several hours to allow for continued cleanup and recovery efforts.