UPDATE, 8:30 p.m.: Florida Highway Patrol is now reporting one more person has died, bringing the toll to seven.
Original story: A multiple-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 Southbound near Gainesville left at least six people dead Thursday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Eight others are also injured, according to the Alachua County Fire Rescue.
At about 3:40 p.m., the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the ACFR responded to a call reporting a crash at mile marker 394, said ACSO spokesperson Art Forgey.
The cause of the crash is still unknown, Forgey said.
Four vehicles were involved in the crash: two tractor-trailers, a passenger van and a mid-size sedan, according to a FHP report.
Fifty gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the highway causing a fire, which was put out, according to the Alachua County Fire Rescue.
At about 4:25 p.m., the UF Health emergency response mass casualty plan was activated, UF Health spokesperson Rossana Passaniti wrote in an email. Six people were taken to UF Health Shands Trauma Center.
UF Health has opened its Patient and Family Resources Hotline for concerned family and friends at 352-594-4454 or 352-594-4244, Passaniti said. These lines will be open until 9 p.m.
The northbound lanes will open tonight, but southbound will remain closed for an extended time, officials said. Authorities said to expect heavy and slow traffic.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
Contact Taylor Girtman at tgirtman@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @taylorgirtman.
