OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to a multi-vehicle crash involving three semi-trucks and a passenger vehicle on southbound Interstate 75 near mile marker 351 late Tuesday night.
The crash, which occurred around 10:34 p.m., resulted in significant damage to the trucks, a fuel spill, and an engine compartment fire. Emergency crews arrived to find fuel and cargo—including mayonnaise and margarine—spilled across the roadway.
While the passenger vehicle was unoccupied, three truck drivers were transported to the hospital. Two were classified as trauma alerts, and the third was taken for evaluation.
OFR says that firefighters deployed a hose line to prevent fire spread and used approximately 200 gallons of water and 10 gallons of foam to cool the damaged engine compartments. Hazardous materials teams set up a containment pool for about 75 gallons of spilled diesel fuel and applied more than 1,300 pounds of absorbent materials to manage the fuel and oil on the road.
The Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Highway Patrol, and Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the scene, and the state warning point was notified of the hazardous spill.
All southbound lanes of I-75 were blocked, with traffic diverted at Exit 352 (State Road 40) for several hours as crews worked to clear debris and hazardous materials.
Other responding agencies included the Florida Department of Emergency Management, Marion County Fire Rescue’s Battalion Chief 6, ALS 1, and four medic units.