Fiery I-95 Crash in St. Johns County Leaves One Critically Injured, Shuts Down Interstate for Hours

A serious two-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer caused a complete shutdown of Interstate 95 in St. Johns County on Sunday, leaving one person critically injured and disrupting traffic for nearly seven hours, according to St. Johns County Fire Rescue.

The crash occurred Sunday afternoon between State Road 206 and State Road 207, forcing the closure of all northbound and southbound lanes as emergency crews worked to extinguish a fire, contain a hazardous materials spill, and investigate the incident.

Fire rescue crews responded to the crash at approximately 3:15 p.m., where they discovered that a semi-truck had become fully engulfed in flames following a collision with another vehicle.

According to officials:

• The tractor-trailer caught fire after the crash
• A diesel fuel spill required response from a hazardous materials team
• Firefighters extinguished the flames shortly after arrival, but the roadway remained closed for cleanup and investigation
• One individual was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition

As of 3:36 p.m., the fire itself had been extinguished, but all lanes of I-95 remained blocked for several additional hours.

Traffic was at a complete standstill, with motorists seen exiting their vehicles and waiting along the interstate while emergency crews worked.

Due to the severity of the fire and fuel spill, crews were required to conduct a thorough cleanup before reopening the roadway.

Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-95 reopened just before 10:00 p.m., nearly seven hours after the crash occurred.

Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of the crash or whether charges may be filed. The investigation remains ongoing.

Crashes involving commercial trucks frequently result in severe or life-threatening injuries due to several factors, including:

• The extreme size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles
• The presence of flammable materials such as diesel fuel
• High speeds on interstate highways
• Increased stopping distances for large commercial vehicles

When a tractor-trailer catches fire, victims face an elevated risk of burn injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, or death.

Determining Liability After a Commercial Truck Crash

Investigations into semi-truck crashes often involve multiple layers of analysis. Determining fault may require examining:

• Driver fatigue or hours-of-service violations
• Speed, braking, and lane positioning
• Maintenance records and mechanical condition of the truck
• Compliance with federal trucking regulations
• Black box and electronic logging device data
• Whether hazardous materials were properly secured

Liability may extend beyond the driver to include trucking companies, vehicle owners, maintenance contractors, or manufacturers, depending on the facts.

Legal Rights After a Serious I-95 Truck Accident

Victims injured in tractor-trailer crashes, or families of those killed, may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term rehabilitation needs
• Wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of support

These cases are time-sensitive, as critical evidence such as vehicle data, surveillance footage, and driver logs can be lost if not preserved promptly.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Truck Crash Victims

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent individuals and families harmed in serious commercial truck crashes across Florida, including incidents on major interstates like I-95.

We intentionally limit our caseload to ensure every client works directly with an experienced attorney, not a case manager. Our team focuses on:

• Conducting independent investigations
• Preserving black box and trucking company records
• Working with accident reconstruction experts
• Identifying all responsible parties and insurance coverage
• Handling insurers so families can focus on recovery

There are no upfront costs, and we only recover fees if compensation is obtained.

If you or a loved one was injured in the fiery I-95 crash in St. Johns County, understanding your rights early can be critical to protecting your future.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent serious injury and wrongful death victims throughout St. Johns County and across the state of Florida.