Deadly I-4 pile-up: 4 dead, 10 crashes, 70 vehicles involved

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Sheriff Grady Judd and FHP Major Tom Knight, addressed the public on the crash situation. You are advised to avoid I-4 and take one of the following alternate routes: SR 60 to US 27, US 92 to CR 557 to US 17 and use US 17 or take 17 to 27.

Near Polk City, Florida - Four people are confirmed dead after smoke and fog reduced visibilty on I-4. FHP has shut down I-4 both directions from the Polk Parkway (570) to US 27 in Haines City. This is near SR 559 & CR.557 (Old Grade Road) in Polk County. Visibility was extremely limited due to smoke from brush fires in the area, and fog.

FHP also confirmed that at least 70 vehicles were involved in 10 different crashes. At least 20 of those vehicles were semi tractor trailers. 5 people are reported to have serious injuries, with 38 people transported to local hospitals with various injuries.

Several individuals were trapped and rescue crews worked to get them out. There are also over turned tankers and tractor trailers almost completely burned to the ground.

Several agencies are on scene working the crash.

The accidents are a result of smoke from yesterday's brush fire that started as a controlled burn. The fire has burned 500 acres so far. Division of Forestry officials say the dry conditions and the freeze conditions last week could mean more of these types of fires this wildfire season.

Many of the people involved in today's 70 car pile-up were taken to the Polk Sheriff's Northeast District office to talk about their experience. Deputies hope what they have to say will help with the investigation.

Eduardo Donoso of St. Petersburg was riding along with his friend Paulino Duenas about 5:30 am when he says they suddenly hit thick smoke and fog. The men say the traffic started to slow.

They heard cars braking and others crashing into each other and finally explosions. Donoso added, "They were screaming, 'Help my wife.' 'Get me out of here.'" Donoso's friend suffered a broken leg and has a sore neck and back. Donoso was not injured. Both men consider themselves lucky.

A number of people are still trying to locate family members. The sheriff's office has released a number for people who need information. Call 863-297-1100 to check on a missing family member.