Polk County Florida: 50 Car Pile Up Closes I-4

Polk County Florida: 50 Car Pile Up Closes I-4

A 15 mile stretch of Interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa was closed today after a 50 car pile up that has left at least 3 dead. Fog and smoke from a central Florida brush fire are believed to be factors in the accident.

The brush fire started Tuesday and charred at least 250 acres before firefighters were able to control the blaze.

Rescue efforts were slowed by the mix of smoke and fog. Officials said they were forced to walk the 15 miles stretch and check individual car for deaths or injuries. Polk County police say the total amount of damage cannot be determined because of the difficulty to see.

“No one has been able to see this thing in its entirety yet,” said highway patrol trooper Larry Coggins.

Robert Ellison said he was traveling on the highway where he nearly collided with another car. He says he couldn’t see more than 5 feet in front of him.

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