Jacksonville, FL (August 28, 2025) – A tragic early-morning crash claimed the life of a 72-year-old woman and shut down all eastbound lanes of I-10 near Hammond Boulevard and I-295 for several hours Thursday. The collision occurred around 2:05 AM and involved a parked sedan and a passing semitruck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Authorities say a sedan occupied by two Jacksonville residents—a 72-year-old male driver and a 72-year-old female passenger—was stopped on the right shoulder of eastbound I-10 when the driver attempted to re-enter the outside lane. During this maneuver, the sedan collided with the rear of an eastbound semitruck.
Following the initial impact, the sedan then struck a Department of Transportation (DOT) traffic sign support pole located on the shoulder. The force of the crash proved fatal for the female passenger, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver suffered minor injuries and was treated by emergency personnel. The truck driver, a 47-year-old man from Lakeland, was unharmed.
All eastbound lanes were closed for an extended period Thursday morning as troopers conducted their investigation and cleared the wreckage. The cause of the crash has been attributed to the sedan driver’s failure to ensure the lane was clear before merging back onto the interstate.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman lost in this devastating crash and wish strength to her loved ones during this difficult time.
Fatal Merging Collisions on Florida Highways
The fatal crash on I-10 in Jacksonville reflects a heartbreaking consequence of unsafe merging—a maneuver that is among the most dangerous actions a driver can take on high-speed interstates. In this incident, the decision to re-enter active traffic from the shoulder without ensuring the lane was clear resulted in a violent collision and the loss of life.
Highway shoulders are meant for emergencies only, and merging from a stopped position requires extreme caution and precise timing. Vehicles traveling at interstate speeds can close gaps quickly, leaving little room for error. This crash underscores the critical importance of making absolutely certain the roadway is clear before merging back into traffic—particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions.
I-10, especially in the areas approaching I-295, is known for high-volume commercial truck traffic. These large vehicles have longer stopping distances and limited maneuverability, which makes sudden merges in their path especially dangerous. The presence of a DOT sign support pole added to the hazard in this case, amplifying the severity of the crash once the vehicle left the roadway.
Tragically, older adults are often more vulnerable in serious accidents, both as drivers and passengers. The 72-year-old woman lost in this crash reminds us of the heavy toll these incidents take on families and communities, and the urgency of safe driving education for all age groups.
If your family has been affected by a fatal crash, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We provide compassionate resources and actionable information to support grieving families through the difficult steps that follow. Don’t face the road ahead alone—reach out to us today to access the guidance and care you deserve.
