Semi Truck, Car Involved In Fiery Crash In Osceola County

It’s not uncommon for vehicles to catch fire after an accident, especially if there are chemicals or hazardous materials involved. A vehicle fire can make for a precarious situation, but in a recent crash in Florida, nobody was injured thankfully.

A semi truck carrying fertilizer, classified as hazardous material, overturned on the morning of July 16. The crash happened near mile marker 59 in Osceola County, near Champions Gate.

The collision occurred when a Ford Focus was traveling in the center-right westbound lane near mile marker 58, alongside the semi-truck. FHP stated that it is still unclear which vehicle veered out of its lane. The Focus struck the truck’s right side, causing the driver to lose control. The truck veered into the median and burst into flames.

The Focus was driven by a 29-year-old man from New Jersey, while the truck driver was a 59-year-old man from Polk City. Both drivers remained at the accident scene. Neither was injured.

A helicopter captured footage of the truck lying on its side as emergency crews worked to extinguish the resulting fire. Interstate 4, located just south of Walt Disney World, reopened before 8 p.m. on June 16 after being closed for several hours. Westbound lanes reopened around 7:30 p.m., though the inside left lane and Exit 58 to Champions Gate remained closed for continued repairs and cleanup. Eastbound lanes were cleared and reopened shortly after 4 p.m., nearly six hours after the crash occurred.

Why is Fertilizer Hazardous?

You may not think of fertilizer as a hazardous material, but it can be in several ways. Here are some reasons why:

• Chemical reactivity and flammability. Many commercial fertilizers contain ammonium nitrate, which is an oxidizer. This means it doesn’t burn by itself, but it intensifies fires by feeding them oxygen. If exposed to high heat, contamination, or shock, ammonium nitrate can detonate.
• Fertilizers can release toxic gases if spilled, burned, or mixed with other substances. Common toxic substances include ammonia and nitrogen oxides.
• Environmental hazards. If fertilizer spills into soil or water, it can lead to nutrient pollution, overloading ecosystems with nitrogen and phosphorus. This promotes algal blooms, which reduce oxygen in the water and kill fish and other aquatic life.
  Certain fertilizers, especially liquid ones or those containing high concentrations of potassium or phosphoric acid, can be corrosive to metal, concrete, and human tissue. Direct contact may cause chemical burns or eye injuries.

Contact Us Today

Accidents involving large vehicles and hazardous materials can cause fires. Occupants of these vehicles need to escape quickly in order to avoid serious injuries.

The Kissimmee auto accident lawyers at Draper Law Office can help you in the recovery of property damage to your vehicle, as well as for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. In the case of serious injury, you may also be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, physical impairment, scarring, disfigurement, and more. Schedule a consultation today by calling (407) 743-6628 or filling out the online form.

Source:

wesh.com/article/crash-closes-i4-near-championsgate-monday/65076691