Ten people died after smoke from a brush fire led to multiple crashes on Interstate -75 early on Sunday morning.
Troopers said, at least 12 passenger cars and approximately seven semi-trucks were involved in several crashes near mile marker 379 in Alachua County.
The crashes occurred around 4:00 a.m. on I-75 northbound and southbound lanes.
Ten people died as a result of the accidents and 18 others were transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville and other local hospitals.
A spokesman for Florida Highway Patrol, Patrick Riordan said, on Saturday evening, Interstate 75 was closed for sometime because of smoke from a brush fire in the Paynes Prairie area, but as conditions improved, FHP re-opened the highway, reports cfnews13.com.
After the crashes, both southbound and northbound lanes were closed for several hours. Troopers said, both north and south lanes of I-75 will be closed until the roadway is cleared.
For travelers using northbound I-75:
Exit at the CR 318 exit and then travel east until US 441, and travel can resume northbound.
For travelers using southbound I-75:
Exit at Williston Road, then travel west to US 27, to resume travel southbound.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more.
