A Florida highway got its first taste of fall when a truck hauling pumpkins crashed, caught fire, and exploded, leaving scorched gourds all over the interstate.
The crash happened around 4:30 a.m. on I-75 at S.R. 52 in San Antonio, Florida.
Truck Crashes Into Guardrail, Catches Fire, Scorches Pumpkins
Forty-four year old Georgia-based truck driver Lortatia Marshall was hauling southbound on I-75 when her truck struck a guardrail. After this impact, the truck reportedly travelled several hundred additional feet down the interstate before coming to a stop in the outside lane.
The truck caught fire and then exploded, sending the scorched pumpkins all over the roadway. The fire blazed for hours before firefighters were able to get it under control.
Marshall was able to get out of the truck and was not hurt during the incident.
The Florida Highway Patrol says that Marshall was wearing her seatbelt when the crash occurred. Drugs and alcohol are not thought to be a factor.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The damage to the roadway caused by the fire is so extensive that it will have to be repaired and repaved in some areas.
FHP Asks Drivers To Avoid The Area
Both lanes of southbound I-75 have been shut down since the early morning hours. Around 1 p.m., one lane of the interstate reopened. Huge traffic back ups have been reported in the area.
The second lane of I-75 is expected to reopen around 3 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol is advising drivers to avoid the area if possible. Suggested detour routes include U.S. 301, U.S. 41, SR-589, and the Florida Turnpike.