A semitractor-trailer driver from Pensacola was ticketed for causing a crash that has blocked portions of a major roadway. It’s unknown when the road will be re-opened.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers and Ocala Police Department officers said they are waiting on a crew to assess the damage and determine what it will take to clean a hazardous spill so traffic along a section of U.S. 27 can begin flowing again.
Two vehicles were involved in the wreck, and no one was seriously injured, law enforcement officials said.
How the crash happened
The crash happened about 11:15 p.m. Monday. According to troopers, the big rig was hauling a load of rock-form sulfur southbound in the right lane of Interstate 75. A woman driving a Toyota Camry was in the center lane.
Authorities said the truck driver did not notice the Toyota driver and tried to change lanes. The Toyota was struck on its right side. The tractor-trailer then swerved right and hit the concreate barrier wall on I-75’s right shoulder.
The load was detached from the tractor-trailer’s cab, rolled over the barrier, and spilled onto U.S. 27. The trailer overturned on the south side shoulder embankment of U.S. 27, troopers said.
Ocala Police Department officers estimate the load at more than 21 tons of hazardous material. Both FHP and Ocala officials said both directions of U.S. 27 are closed until the roadway can be cleaned.
Cleanup difficulty
Troopers said the 38-year-old truck driver was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was treated and released, officials said. The 21-year-old Anthony woman driving the Toyota was not injured, FHP officials said.
The drivers’ names were not released by authorities.
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Police officials said more than two dozen companies have been contacted for the cleanup, but so far no one has accepted the job.
Until the situation is resolved, troopers and OPD officers said as of 7:55 a.m., motorists should avoid traveling anywhere near the crash site, as they will be detoured.
Information on rock-form sulfur
According to various websites — including epa.gov, orst.edu and kidzrocks.com — rock-form sulfur poses minimal risk to human health. However, prolonged exposure can be dangerous.
The substance is widely distributed as native deposits near volcanoes, hot springs and meteorites. It’s used to manufacture black powder, matches and explosives.
Contact Austin L. Miller at [email protected] or @almillerosb
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