MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Southbound lanes of Interstate 75 reopened Friday night in Marion County after being forced to close following multiple crashes in the Ocala area, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
According to a preliminary FHP crash report, the crashes occurred southbound near U.S. 27 in the span on two miles and involved “approximately 50 vehicles,” such as multiple tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles.
A city spokesperson said in a statement that the first emergency calls began to come in around 2:34 p.m., with more being reported as Ocala Fire Rescue and Marion County Fire Rescue made it to the scene.
The collisions continued until around 4 p.m., the spokesperson said.
Due to the proximity of the crash sites, responding units divided to secure the scenes and provide immediate medical attention to those involved. While transport units were en route, additional calls reported further collisions north of Ocala and just outside the city limits.
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Responding agencies included Ocala Fire Rescue, Marion County Fire Rescue, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Road Rangers, and several towing companies.
Ashley Lopes, City of Ocala - "Multiple Crashes on I-75 in Ocala Leave Seven Hospitalized; Southbound Lanes Clsosd Following Bout of Severe Weather (excerpts)
Inclement weather and driver inattention were factors in the crashes, according to FHP and the city.
All southbound lanes were closed at mile marker 353 and drivers were told to exit at the U.S. 27 interchange. The roadway was back open by 7:46 p.m., troopers said.
Seven people were taken to the hospital and no serious injuries were reported in the crashes, according to troopers and the city spokesperson.
FHP is still investigating.