Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (AP)—
Authorities say two large rigs and two passenger vehicles collided and spilled diesel on the Florida Highway on Thursday, triggering a fire that killed seven people and injured at least eight others.
The accident happened about a mile south of Interstate 75. 1. 6 kilometers)
Near the south of alagua in Gainesville.
About 50 gallons of flame (189 liters)
It's diesel, authorities say.
Authorities initially said six people had died, but seven victims were reported dead late Thursday.
At least eight people were hospitalized, some of them seriously, according to the Gainesville Sun. FHP Lt.
Patrick Riordan said earlier Thursday night that five victims of the accident who died were sitting in a van and another person who died was sitting on a tractor. trailers.
Vinnie DeVita said he was driving in the south and got away with the car accident.
According to a report from WKMG, he said it happened in the rearview mirror, right behind him.
"There is no doubt that if I step on the brakes when I hear the noise, I will be in the accident," DeVita said . ".
"Then it exploded in about 15 to 20 seconds.
I mean, it's just a fire.
Emergency workers put out the fire, which was very intense and authorities said it had damaged some of the roads.
The Highway Patrol is investigating the traffic homicide, which is routine.
They called 10. m.
Press conference to discuss the crash
A spokesman for the Florida Highway Patrol told the Associated Press in a telephone interview that their priority was to conduct a thorough investigation and determine the identity of the deceased.
"There will be families that will need to be told that their loved ones are dead," said Lieutenant Patrick riodan . ".
It is not clear, he said, whether the victim was killed in a shipwreck or burned in a fire, which would make identification more difficult.
The aftermath closed part of the highway in both directions, causing huge delays.
Authorities opened the North Lane around 8 p. m. m.
But with the exception of a South Lane, all the lanes were closed on Friday morning.
Florida Highway Patrol said debris, including personal property and vehicle components, was scattered across the road.
A helicopter helps search for victims in a nearby forest.
Nicole Towarek and her family met the scene while traveling north.
She told The Sun that black smoke billowed, there were people near the vehicle, there were long signs of slipping on the road, and emergency rescue workers were gathering in the area.
"We have been seeing these small explosions and fires," she said . ".
"It's too hot. it's crazy.
This is my worst accident.
75 since January 2012, in Alacha County, 11 people have died in a chain reaction accident over fog and smoke on the road through Paynes Prairie Reserve State Park.
At the time, officials were criticized for failing to close the road due to deteriorating conditions, and cameras, sensors and large electronic signs were later installed to help prevent similar crashes.
Frisaro contributed from Miami.