FHP: One Injured in Five-Vehicle Crash on Florida’s Turnpike in Orlando

A major multi-vehicle crash shut down portions of Florida’s Turnpike early Friday morning, leaving one driver hospitalized and causing hours of traffic delays near mile marker 257 in Orange County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the collision occurred around 2:33 a.m. in the southbound lanes of the Turnpike near the I-4 interchange.

FHP investigators say the incident began when a 2017 BMW X6, traveling in the center outside lane, collided with a 2021 semi-truck and trailer that had been traveling in the outside lane. It is not yet clear whether the BMW entered the semi-truck’s path or the truck drifted into the BMW’s lane, but the collision disabled the BMW in the roadway.

Moments later, a 2017 Hyundai Tucson struck the disabled BMW, followed by a 2007 semi-truck that also crashed into the BMW and jackknifed, blocking the inside lane. The force of the impact caused the BMW to spin into the outside lane, where it collided with a stopped 2026 semi-truck.

Traffic cameras showed debris scattered across multiple lanes as troopers and rescue crews worked to secure the scene.

The driver of the 2007 semi-truck—a 51-year-old Lake City man—was transported to Dr. Phillips Hospital with minor injuries. No other injuries were reported at the time.

Initially, the crash was briefly classified as a hit-and-run incident because the 2021 semi-truck involved in the first collision continued driving southbound. However, troopers later confirmed the driver was attempting to find a safe and wide enough shoulder to pull over without risking further accidents.

All southbound lanes between the I-4 exit and State Road 528 were shut down for several hours as authorities cleared debris, investigated the crash sequence, and removed the heavily damaged vehicles. The roadway reopened at approximately 6:15 a.m., restoring traffic flow just as the morning commute intensified.

What Happens Next?

FHP troopers are continuing to investigate:

• The initial cause of the BMW–semi collision
• Whether driver error, vehicle malfunction, or unsafe lane changes were involved
• The timeline of subsequent collisions
• Commercial vehicle compliance and potential mechanical issues

Crashes involving disabled vehicles on high-speed roadways often become catastrophic, especially when multiple large commercial trucks are involved. Multi-vehicle chain-reaction crashes can also raise complex questions of liability, insurance coverage, and fault among several drivers.

Legal Options After a Turnpike Crash

Victims injured in multi-vehicle collisions—especially crashes involving commercial trucks—may have options to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle damage
• Long-term rehabilitation needs

Truck accidents on Florida’s Turnpike frequently involve large corporate insurers, strict federal trucking regulations, and significant evidence analysis. Quick action may be necessary to secure crash data, preserve vehicle black-box information, and obtain witness statements.

Our Firm Stands With Crash Victims and Their Families

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent individuals injured in commercial trucking accidents throughout Orlando, Orange County, and all of Florida. Our team investigates complex collisions, works to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable, and fights for maximum compensation for our clients.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash on Florida’s Turnpike, contact us today for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.