Tractor-trailer fire shuts down I-75, snarls traffic for hours in Hernando County

By Staff Writer — The Brooksville Signal

Hernando County, Florida— A massive tractor-trailer fire forced the closure of all southbound lanes on Interstate 75 Tuesday, creating hours of gridlock along one of Florida’s busiest travel corridors.

The incident happened near mile marker 305, close to the Hernando–Sumter county line. Florida Highway Patrol said the semi-truck caught fire shortly after 11 a.m., sending plumes of black smoke into the sky.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene as flames spread across the roadway. The blaze caused significant delays as traffic backed up for miles. At least one person was injured, though the extent of those injuries has not been publicly released.

By late afternoon, some lanes were reopened, but cleanup continued well into the evening. Authorities have not confirmed what sparked the fire.

The shutdown highlights the vulnerability of Florida’s interstate system to single incidents, especially along I-75, which serves as a major freight and travel route connecting Tampa Bay, Southwest Florida, and points north.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes as investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze.