At least 70 vehicles were involved in a major pileup on Interstate 4 in Polk County that was caused by smoke and fog in the area.
Four people, including a Disney employee, were killed and dozens more injured.
The cleanup efforts continued well into the night on I-4 as wreckage was removed. Crews also repaved part of the road that was damaged by the fire. Troopers believe the road will reopen in time for the morning rush hour.
Here are the latest figures:- 4 fatalities
- 37 people hospitalized, including 4 with serious injuries
- 10 crashes
- 70 vehicles
- Citations issued
Jason Turner told News 13 that he was on his way to Orlando around 5 a.m. when all of a sudden a truck pulled out in front of him and came to a complete stop. After Turner stopped, he started hearing the crashes coming one after the other, grinding metal and people crying for help.
The smoke was so thick at times that firefighters and law enforcement had to listen for screams to find people who were trapped in their vehicles.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported there was zero visibility from mile marker 43 to mile marker 49 when the accident happened around 4:30 a.m.
Troopers said the entire scene is roughly two miles long.
If you or someone you know had a vehicle towed during Wednesday's crash, you're asked to call the Lakeland office of the Florida Highway Patrol at (863) 499-2300.
You will need your vehicle information when you call.
Controlled Burn Starts Fire That Causes Pileup
This fire started as a controlled burn that got out of control Tuesday afternoon.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said they work with the Division of Forestry, and were given a permit by the state, based on the weather conditions as they were.
They said a drop in humidity and increase in winds allowed the fire to get out of control and cover I-4.
But the Division of Forestry said it's not ready to say that smoke definitely contributed to the deadly pile-up on I-4.
"I know there was fog on the road the day before, and it's a common occurrence on this part of I-4. From (U.S.) 27 to (Highway) 33 is a low area in what we call the green swamp area, and fog often times settles in this area, and that's why we want to do a full investigation to make sure we get this thing right," said Gary Zipprer, the Division of Forestry district manager.
The preliminary investigation into the burn's involvement in this crash should be ready in about a week.
Meanwhile, the brush fire itself is 90% contained and has burned approximately 400 acres.
Fire officials remain at the scene as smoke mixed with fog continues to swamp the area.
Why Wasn't The Road Shut Down?
Intense smoke, fog and zero visibility led to Wednesday morning's deadly I-4 pileup.
But the incident is now raising questions into why the road wasn't shutdown sooner.
According to FHP, they move as quickly as possible to close down a road.
In the case of Wednesday morning's accident, troopers said the fog and smoke moved in so quickly, it was impossible to anticipate the road conditions.
Troopers were monitoring the weather, but all of a sudden, it turned deadly. DOT crews assist FHP in closing down the road.
"The situation can change in an instant. Slight fog can evolve into dense fog, combine it with smoke, can be deadly situation," said Steve Homan from the DOT.
Because the Wednesday morning fog covered a 14-mile stretch of road, FHP troopers said it's impossible to detour everyone off the road.
Getting Around The Mess
Anyone planning on driving on I-4 in Polk County should find alternate routes.
The Florida Department of Transportation suggests that motorists use the following roadways as detour routes during the closure period: State Road 60, U.S. 17 or U.S. 17/92. Motorists are advised to expect heavy traffic and delays. Click on the map at the left for alternate routes.
The FDOT is advising motorists to use extreme caution while driving in the area and along detour routes.
If you must get to the Tampa area, here is how to do it:
If you are coming from Maitland or the Orlando area, take Colonial Drive (Highway 50), which will take you west toward north Hillsborough County. Then you can take a number of routes south toward Tampa.
If you are coming from Osceola, Polk or south Orange County, you should take Highway 27 in Haines City south to U.S. 92.
The Florida Department of Transportation told News 13 that all tolls on the Polk Parkway have been suspended until at least noon on Thursday. Tolls beyond U.S. 98 westbound are not suspended. The I-4 and Polk Parkway interchange eastbound currently does not have tolls suspended.
Check on current road conditions with Real-Time Traffic from our partners at Bay News 9.
Sheriff Describes Deputy's Nightmare
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Deputy Carlton Turner was involved in the accident and attempted to help people escape the burning wreckage.
"When he (Turner) arrived, he said it was as if he hit a wall. It was clear. It was a little foggy and then it was total darkness. He was involved in the crash. He was involved in what had already become a chain collision of vehicles," Judd said.
Judd went on to describe the horror that Turner witnessed.
"The deputy said, 'I could still hear the metal grinding as the vehicles crashed into each other.' He said, 'Sheriff, I did all I could do, but I watched a man burn to death today.' And he said, 'and I heard others screaming and hollering and crying.' And he said, 'I can't begin to explain to you how difficult this scene was,'" Judd said.
I-4 Crash Impacts Business
Businesses along a stretch of I-4 said they saw increased foot traffic Wednesday, as officials detoured drivers onto alternate routes to keep them away from the deadly pileup.
Gas stations, restaurants and fast food chains along U.S. 27 said most people were coming in for directions looking for ways to avoid the traffic, but end up spending money in their store.
Polk County deputies are still patrolling areas of U.S. 27 and I-4.
FDOT officials have also posted several signs along busy roads warning drivers.
Crash Victim Speaks Out
One crash victim, Wilfredo Redeberon, gave his account of the crash.
"When I looked, I just see the bang everywhere. Everyone just started smashing one another and when I looked there was a car under the trailer. The banging hit the car, everybody was smashing. What I do is jump out the window, I start helping the people out. It was very bad you couldn't see anything. You don't have no choice to do anything, you can even see where you're going," Redeberon said.
Even though the bad driving conditions were the major cause of the pile up on I-4, Redeberon said he was one of several drivers ticketed for negligence.
Blood Donations Needed
Blood will be needed for the many victims of these accidents. Click here to find a blood center near you where you can donate.
Click here to comment on this story.