ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. — A major vehicle crash in North-Central Florida has killed seven people and sent several more to the hospital, according to Alachua County Fire Rescue officials.
- 7 confirmed dead from I-75 crash north of Gainesville
- Tractor trailers, a passenger van, and mid-size Sedan involved
- Expect roadblock for several hours in area, officials say
The crash happened around 3:42 Thursday afternoon on I-75 in the Gainesville area near mile marker 394.
No details have been released on what caused the deadly crash, but according to Florida Highway Patrol, the crash involved two tractor trailers, one mid-size Sedan, and one passenger van.
Troopers say a majority of the fatalities came from the van, and one person from one of the tractor trailers was also killed.
FHP's early investigation shows the van involved may have been traveling to Central Florida.
Air crews were also on scene to help find possible victims in the wooded area near the roadway.
Multiple vehicles were reported on fire at one point, with 50 gallons of diesel fuel spilled.
Emergency crews extinguished the fire and said they are treating the crash as a homicide investigation.
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office said to expect roadblocks on I-75 between the southbound lanes of 39th Avenue and US-441, and to avoid the area if possible, as there is a large amount of vehicle parts on the highway.
Northbound lanes reopened Thursday around 8 p.m., but authorities warned traffic would still be heavy.
Reporter Cheryn Stone contributed to this story.