I-4 Closed for Hours After Fertilizer Truck Catches Fire

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Interstate 4 south of Disney World is closed for hours following a fiery crash involving a semi-truck carrying fertilizer. The incident occurred near mile marker 59 close to ChampionsGate on Monday morning.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash involved a 2017 Ford Focus and a semi-truck. The truck struck a guardrail after the collision, leading to an explosion of flames. As of 4:30 p.m., all westbound lanes remain shut, while eastbound lanes reopened shortly after 4 p.m., nearly six hours after the crash.

Traffic is being diverted off exit 62 to World Drive for westbound vehicles, while eastbound traffic is being redirected off at exit 58, County Road 532, near ChampionsGate. The truck was transporting fertilizer, categorized as hazardous material by the Florida Department of Transportation, complicating cleanup efforts.

Both drivers—29-year-old from New Jersey and 59-year-old from Polk City—were reported unharmed and stayed at the scene. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with Chopper 2 capturing images of firefighters battling the flames.

The Florida Highway Patrol stated that the investigation is ongoing. They noted that it is still uncertain which vehicle was at fault for leaving its lane. Cleanup crews are working diligently, but the westbound lanes will remain closed for an extended period.

This developing story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.