Credit: DisneyEvery Disney World fan knows that if you plan to drive to the parks, be prepared for Interstate 4 traffic. I-4 runs across the state from Daytona Beach to Tampa and right through Orlando and Disney World, but it is best known for its constant slowdowns and traffic.
However, today’s traffic on I-4 was vastly different. This morning, a truck collided with a Ford Focus just south of the exits for Disney World near mile marker 59, shutting down the entire highway for most of the day. Traffic was diverted off World Drive, making getting around the Disney World Resort difficult.
Around 10 this morning, the truck carrying fertilizer was westbound on I-4 with the Ford Focus on the left-center lane next to it. At some point, one of the two vehicles left its lane and collided with the other, causing the truck to flip on its side and burst into flames.
Florida Highway Patrol told WESH-4 Orlando it is still working to determine which of the two vehicles left its lane, causing the accident. The FHP also said that the westbound lanes would be closed for “an extended period of time.” The eastbound lanes finally reopened around 4 p.m.
The driver of the Ford Focus, a 29-year-old from New Jersey, and the driver of the truck, a 59-year-old, were not hurt in the crash and remained on the scene to discuss the accident with police.
The Florida Department of Transportation said that the truck was carrying fertilizer, which is considered a hazardous material, and that cleaning up would take some time.
In the video posted on WESH-4’s website, the truck can be seen on its side with large flames and billows of smoke coming from its cabin. Given the severity of the accident, it’s a miracle that both drivers were able to walk away.
As of 4:30 this afternoon, I-4 westbound was still closed, and traffic was being diverted near Disney World.
If you happen to be at Disney World today, you better use your Google Maps to get home because it will be a long drive.