Martin County, FL (March 14, 2026) – A multi-vehicle crash involving semi trucks caused major delays on Florida’s Turnpike in Martin County.
The accident occurred just before noon on Friday, March 13, near mile marker 123 southbound, close to Hobe Sound. Emergency units responded and found at least two semi trucks and several other vehicles involved in the collision.
Early information indicates traffic had slowed or stopped due to weather conditions when a semi truck crashed into the line of vehicles. The impact led to a chain reaction involving nine vehicles, and one of the semi trucks overturned during the crash.
The incident caused significant traffic delays stretching for miles into southern St. Lucie County. By about 2 p.m., both southbound lanes had reopened, though traffic in the area continued to move slowly. Drivers in the northbound lanes also experienced delays near the crash site.
Authorities have not released details about injuries connected to the accident. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
How Chain-Reaction Crashes Can Happen During Sudden Traffic Stops
Chain-reaction crashes can occur when traffic slows or stops suddenly on busy highways. When vehicles are traveling close together at higher speeds, drivers may have very little time to react to changing conditions ahead.
Large trucks can require much longer distances to come to a complete stop compared with passenger vehicles. If traffic stops quickly due to weather, congestion, or an earlier incident, a truck may not be able to slow down in time to avoid hitting vehicles ahead.
Once the first impact occurs, other vehicles approaching the scene may also collide with damaged or stopped vehicles. This can quickly involve multiple cars and trucks within seconds.
Weather conditions such as rain, fog, or reduced visibility can increase the risk of these events. Drivers often reduce speed and increase following distance during poor conditions to help lower the chances of a chain-reaction crash.
