A homicide investigation has been launched after seven people were killed in a fiery multiple vehicle pile-up on a US highway.
The Florida crash, involving two trucks and two passenger vehicles, led to diesel being spilled across the road, triggering a massive blaze.
The collision happened on Interstate 75 close to the city of Alachua, some 130 miles north of Orlando.
Unfortunately, this is a mass casualty crash with fire and an extensive scene. The crash is in the NB lanes. We needed to keep a route for first responders open. We apologize for delays in the commute. This required all hands on deck. The closure is going to be lengthy. https://t.co/hslC4aqHFT
— Alachua Co. Sheriff (@AlachuaSheriff) January 3, 2019
Several others were injured in the crash, some critically, according to local media.
Emergency crews who tackled the blaze said they were treating the crash as a homicide investigation, but did not say why.
The fire was so intense that authorities said it damaged parts of the wreckage-strewn road.
Police are still trying to identify the victims.
Lieutenant Patrick Riordan of Florida Highway Patrol said: "There's going to be families that need to be notified that their loves ones have perished."
More from Florida
The aftermath of the crash closed part of the highway in both directions, causing major delays.
Alachua County Sherriff's office said in a tweet that a route needed to be kept clear for emergency crews responding to the deadly collision, which "required all hands on deck".
A homicide investigation has been launched after seven people were killed in a fiery multiple vehicle pile-up on a US highway.
The Florida crash, involving two trucks and two passenger vehicles, led to diesel being spilled across the road, triggering a massive blaze.
The collision happened on Interstate 75 close to the city of Alachua, some 130 miles north of Orlando.
Unfortunately, this is a mass casualty crash with fire and an extensive scene. The crash is in the NB lanes. We needed to keep a route for first responders open. We apologize for delays in the commute. This required all hands on deck. The closure is going to be lengthy. https://t.co/hslC4aqHFT
— Alachua Co. Sheriff (@AlachuaSheriff) January 3, 2019
Several others were injured in the crash, some critically, according to local media.
Emergency crews who tackled the blaze said they were treating the crash as a homicide investigation, but did not say why.
The fire was so intense that authorities said it damaged parts of the wreckage-strewn road.
Police are still trying to identify the victims.
Lieutenant Patrick Riordan of Florida Highway Patrol said: "There's going to be families that need to be notified that their loves ones have perished."
More from Florida
The aftermath of the crash closed part of the highway in both directions, causing major delays.
Alachua County Sherriff's office said in a tweet that a route needed to be kept clear for emergency crews responding to the deadly collision, which "required all hands on deck".
