Gainesville Trucking Accident Sends Several Victims to the Hospital
A fiery crash on I-75 near Gainesville sent several victims to area hospitals late Wednesday afternoon. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred just after 5 p.m. and involved at least two semi-tractor trailer trucks and several passenger vehicles. One of the trucks contained was leaking diesel fuel and caught fire. Large plumes of black smoke could be seen for a least a mile. First responders were on the scene, including fire fighters, police, and hazardous spill specialists to help contain the blaze and prevent further injuries.
The cause of the accident remains unclear at this time. It is known that at least one of the victims was fatally injured and another two critically. Those two victims were transported to UF Shands as trauma alerts. A third victim was also transported to Shands with less severe injuries and several other victims were treated at the scene. At least four other vehicles were involved in the accident, in additions to the two semis.
The Florida Highway Patrol acknowledges that I-75 is extremely busy along that stretch of road, and this accident occurred during rush hour – one of the busiest periods for traffic in the area. Many other motorists stopped to help when they came upon the scene. Witnesses started trying to aid victims immediately after they noticed smoke coming from one of the semi-trucks, for fear that the fire would cause an explosion. They were able to move some vehicles out of the wreckage before first responders arrived.
Although the scene of Wednesday’s accident was truly horrific, it also highlights the compassion that Floridians have for one another in times of need. Victims of this accident, especially those critically injured have a long road of recovery ahead of them. They will need to depend on their friends and families for support. And when these victims need legal support, we are here to lend a hand.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.