The fog has lifted and some of the smoke has cleared at the scene of a triple-fatal pile-up on I-4 in Polk County revealing a charred disaster.
At least 3 people have been killed, and there are reports some people might still be trapped in their cars. All lanes of I-4 are closed between the Polk Parkway and U.S. 27. That's roughly from Polk City to the Osceola County line; nearly 15 miles.
The pile-up happened early this morning when visibility was nearly zero on I-4 due to thick fog and lingering smoke from a brush fire. Polk County officials say a tanker overturned on the roadway, but it's not clear if the truck was part of the pileup.
Troopers are asking drivers who are stuck in traffic to stay in their cars for their safely and the safety of rescue workers.
"Please, remain in your vehicle, remain patient, and follow the detours ahead. We do have emergency vehicles and responding personnel, some of which are walking and do not want to be struck by vehicles that are trying to make up some time and get down the road on the shoulders," Trooper Larry Coggins said. "It's a very dangerous situation right now. Please, everyone drive safely and have some patience."
Yesterday's brush fire began as a controlled burn, but it jumped a firebreak and eventually grew to 250 acres before being contained.
Labels: Crash, Florida, Fog, I-4, Pile up
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:58 AM
