50-car pileup kills 3, closes parts of I-4 in Polk County

[thelakelander]

The Florida Highway Patrol, the Polk County Sheriff's Office and several other agencies are working a 50-vehicle accident in the area, according to a spokeswoman. That includes six cars that are completely burned and 20 tractor trailers, including two that are on fire.

At least three people have died and six have been transported two local hospitals. At least two people are still trapped at 8:30 a.m.

"This visibility situation has been a huge impediment. It’s a tragic situation. So many vehicles involved," said Polk County spokeswoman Cindy Rodriguez. She said they got the first call about 5:45 a.m.

Many things are coming together to make the situation worse, Rodriguez said, including people going to school or work. The closing of I-4 will be an inconvenience throughout the day, she said.

No one knows when the interstate will reopen.

http://www.theledger.com/article/20080109/BREAKING/956382924/1039

[thelakelander]

Here's a link to several images of the 50 car pile up.

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=LL&Dato=20080109&Kategori=PHOTOS&Lopenr=336072068&Ref=PH

[gatorback]

This is aweful.  Apparently they are not sure if the prescribed buring creating smoke combining with the fog caused the problem.