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ST. AUGUSTINE, St. Johns County, Fla., Sept. 20, 2026 — A multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck shut down lanes on I-95 on Saturday morning, September 19, between State Road 16 and County Road 214. Five people were taken to hospitals with injuries described as stable.
St. Johns County Fire Rescue told authorities that both northbound and southbound lanes backed up with heavy traffic after the crash. Emergency crews were reportedly limiting traffic to one lane in each direction as of late morning while they worked the scene.
A fire rescue spokesperson said four adults and one child were transported and are in stable condition. The crash involved a semi-truck, and a fuel leak from the wreck required a hazmat response.
By early afternoon, authorities reported that all northbound lanes had reopened. Two southbound lanes remained blocked while the hazmat team continued mitigating the fuel leak. The cause of the crash has not been released and remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Why Truck Crashes on Highways Like I-95 Cause So Much Damage
A loaded semi-truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car. When a large truck and a smaller vehicle collide, the size and weight gap means most of the crash energy transfers into the lighter vehicle, not the truck. Closing speed on a highway compounds this: two vehicles approaching each other, or a truck striking a slowed or stopped car from behind, can generate forces far beyond what either vehicle's frame is built to absorb.
Underride and override dynamics are part of what makes these crashes distinct. A truck's trailer sits higher off the ground than a car's crumple zones and safety cage, so a car can slide underneath the trailer in a collision, a scenario known as underride. In an override situation, the truck's momentum can push it up and over a smaller vehicle. Either way, the impact usually bypasses the structural areas of a car designed to protect its occupants, striking the vehicle at window or roof height instead.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 365 large-truck occupants were killed in multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks in 2023. Underride guards, seat belts, and airbags all reduce harm in these crashes, but their effectiveness depends heavily on where and how the vehicles make contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers share the road with large trucks more safely?
Give trucks extra space, avoid lingering in blind spots along the sides and rear, and pass decisively rather than staying alongside a trailer for long stretches.
Does driver fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
Fatigue is a recognized factor in commercial truck crashes generally, since long routes and tight schedules can lead to reduced alertness. Federal hours-of-service rules exist to limit this risk, though investigators evaluate fatigue on a case-by-case basis.
What should I do if I'm in a crash involving a commercial truck?
Move to safety if possible, call 911, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Note the trucking company's name and any identifying numbers on the truck if you're able to do so safely.
Why do trucks need so much distance to stop?
Their weight and higher center of gravity mean trucks require significantly more stopping distance than cars, especially when fully loaded or on wet pavement.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Truck Crash in St. Augustine, FL
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash on a highway, stay in your vehicle if it's unsafe to exit into traffic, turn on hazard lights, and wait for emergency crews if you're able. Even passengers who feel fine after the initial shock should get checked by a medical provider, since adrenaline can mask pain from soft-tissue injuries or internal trauma. Keep any paperwork from responding agencies, including incident numbers, for your records. Reach out to your insurance company promptly to start documenting the claim while details are fresh.
