Rain Causes Multi-Vehicle Crashes on I-75 Near Ocala

A series of multiple-vehicle crashes involving approximately 50 vehicles, including numerous tractor-trailers and passenger cars, shut down the southbound lanes of Interstate 75 near Ocala, Florida, on September 26. The accidents occurred within a two-mile stretch near U.S. Highway 27 and were attributed mainly to inclement weather conditions and driver inattention, leading to chain-reaction wrecks. Seven people were hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to serious, but no fatalities were reported. The collisions caused significant traffic disruptions, with southbound lanes remaining closed for several hours before reopening in the evening, although traffic remained heavily impacted. Authorities from various agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol, Ocala Fire Rescue, and Marion County Fire Rescue, responded to the crashes and urged drivers to exercise caution. Investigations into the individual incidents and their causes are ongoing, with detours established to manage traffic during the closure.