Traffic turmoil: Approximately 35 vehicles involved in I-95 crash that spanned half mile

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded to a major crash Thursday afternoon on I-95 southbound at Airport Road.

According to JFRD, approximately 35 vehicles were involved over a span of a half mile. Semitrucks were also involved.

A total of 11 people were transported for treatment. Two people had to be extricated from their cars.

The crash brought southbound traffic to a halt. Emergency vehicles were also in northbound lanes, where traffic was also backed up.

According to FHP, six semitrucks and 12 cars were involved in the first crash, and there were several secondary crashes that followed, which were worked by JFRD and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Troopers said weather was a factor and that it was raining at the time of the crash.

Troopers said it began when one car rear-ended someone in the right lane. A semi driver who had reduced visibility due to the rain didn’t immediately see the crash and swerved to the center lane, hitting another semi. Other collisions followed.

At about 3:30 p.m., Eric Prosswimmer, JFRD spokesperson, said the process to get traffic rolling normally again would take hours.

“I’m sorry to tell you that this is going to be awhile,” Prosswimmer told News4JAX. “You’ve got to realize that to move all these cars, they’re going to have to get tow trucks here. Those trucks are going to get caught in the traffic that’s being built up that’s a result of this.”

GALLERY: Photos from the crash spanning half mile on I-95

At about 4:30 p.m. -- some slow moving traffic was beginning to get through southbound lanes, but shortly after traffic was halted again. Three hours later, first responders were still at the scene.

Between 8-8:30 p.m., all southbound lanes were cleared.