Portions of I-75 shut down in Marion County due to tractor-trailer crash

OCALA, Fla. - The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating after a tractor-trailer crash and subsequent fire shut down parts of Interstate 75 in Marion County on Thursday afternoon.  Troopers said the crash occurred between the exits for U.S. Highway 27 and State Route 326, near mile marker 355.

Ocala firefighters arrived at the scene just before 3 p.m. to find the semi-truck facing the wrong way on I-75's northbound lanes with a front compartment fully engulfed in flames and an upright sedan on the shoulder of the road. All northbound lanes were blocked.

A preliminary investigation shows that the semi ran through the guardrail while traveling southbound after suffering a front tire blowout. Crews assessed the scene for hazards and injuries. Confirming that there were no occupants the fire was extinguished but northbound lanes of I-75 remained shut down for over an hour. No injuries were reported.

Ocala Police Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, and Florida Highway Patrol also responded.