SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Interstate 4 is back open after a tractor-trailer carrying mulch overturned Thursday morning, blocking the westbound lanes near State Road 434 for just over four hours.
According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, Charles Craig, 70, of Longwood was driving his Lexus in the center lane of I-4 when he attempted to move across to the exit lane to SR-434 in front of the truck.
According to troopers, the driver of the truck, Robert Saez, 44, of Punta Gorda, attempted to avoid the Lexus, but the front of his truck struck the rear of the car, causing the truck's trailer to overturn.
The trailer of the truck overturned, but the tractor remained upright. Crews moved traffic to the shoulder and equipment was brought in to upright the trailer.
They brought in multiple flat beds and a Bob Cat tractor to help clean up the mess.
Meanwhile, westbound I-4 traffic was diverted off the road at Lake Mary Boulevard.
The highway was back open by late afternoon.
Troopers said Craig will be cited.
“It crossed almost the entire westbound highway,” said driver Bob Lalli. “It apparently looked like nothing was getting by.”
There were no injuries reported in the accident.
WFTV
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