Accidents Plague Holiday Interstate-75 Traffic

ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ Interstate-75 southbound in Alachua County was the scene of several accidents on July 4, 2024. Around 5 a.m. on July 4, 2024, units from Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) and Gainesville Fire Rescue were dispatched to a reported vehicle accident on I-75 southbound, at the 386-mile marker. First units to arrive on scene reported there was a two-vehicle accident, off the roadway, with heavy damage.

First responders confirmed that one victim needed to be extricated from one of the vehicles. Crews deployed rescue tools, including the “Jaws of Life,” and safely extricated the victim from the heavily damaged vehicle.

The rescue lasted less than 20 minutes with the individual reported to have only minor injuries. No other injuries to any other parties were reported, and the accident is being investigated by Florida Highway Patrol.

On the same day only a few hours later at 11 a.m., a serious vehicle accident occurred on I-75 southbound near the 389-mile marker, once again necessitating a multi-agency emergency response.

Units from ACFR and Gainesville Fire Rescue were dispatched to the scene following reports of a two-vehicle collision involving a passenger car and a semi-truck.

Upon arrival, first responders found both vehicles off the roadway, heavily damaged and entangled in the tree line. The semi-truck required urgent attention as one of the occupants was trapped inside the wreckage. The complex extrication process, which involved the use of rescue tools such as the "Jaws of Life," took nearly two hours to complete.

The extrication was very complex and rigorous reported an ACFR spokesperson. Responding crews worked tirelessly to safely remove the victim from the heavily damaged semi-truck.

Once extricated, the individual was airlifted to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The specifics of their condition have not been disclosed.

Adding to the complexity of the rescue, the semi-truck's cargo posed a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) risk. Specialized teams were deployed to manage and mitigate the situation, ensuring the safety of both the responders and the public.

In light of these incidents, ACFR officials have reiterated the importance of safety precautions on the road, including the use of seatbelts.

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