Two Semi Trucks Collide One Catches Fire in North Port Florida

July 15th, 2011 |

NORTH PORT, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said that two tractor trailers collided and one caught fire, forcing the closure of all northbound lanes of Interstate 75 south of the Toledo Blade Boulevard exit in North Port this morning.

The accident which occurred at about 11:15 a.m. near Mile Marker 174, completely closed the northbound traffic lanes of I-75 for three hours while emergency fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze.

FHP said that the northbound lane of Interstate 75 south of the Toledo Blade Boulevard exit in North Port is scheduled to remain closed for the next 12 hours until crews repair the roadway.

The truck driver responsible for the accident was identified as Ruban C. Evans, 32, from Ocala who was cited for careless driving.

The Herald Tribune reports:

Troopers say Evans did not slow down for traffic and struck the rear of another truck driven by Gibsonton resident Terry Burke, 37.

Evans whose truck slammed into the concrete shoulder and burst into flames caused an estimated about $90,000 in damage to the freight truck, the report said.

Southbound lanes of I-75 in the area remained open.

Northbound traffic was initially detoured to Kings Highway. Drivers are still advised to avoid the area as the road is cleared and repaired.

No injuries were reported at the time of the accident.

The incident remains under investigation at this time.

Truck Accident Lawyer News is a truck accident and personal injury blog that publishes up to date truck accident and truck legal news from across the United States. Florida, due to its high population and vast highway system, has a high incident of truck accidents. Florida metropolitan cities besides Lakeland with a high incident of truck accidents and vehicle collision resulting in severe personal injuries and even death include Fort Myers, Fort Pierce, Fort Walton, Gainesville, Hialeah, Jacksonville, and Key West to name a few.