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Sumter County, FL (May 13, 2026) – One person died, and another suffered serious injuries after a chain-reaction crash involving several tractor-trailers late Monday night, May 11, on Interstate 75 in Sumter County.
The accident happened around 11:34 p.m. near mile marker 326 on southbound I-75, just past the interchange with Florida’s Turnpike. According to reports, traffic in the area had slowed following an earlier crash that occurred about an hour before near mile marker 325.
Officials said a Ford F-350 towing a motorhome was traveling south when a tractor-trailer struck the vehicle from behind around 10:30 p.m. The tractor-trailer left the roadway and stopped on the grass shoulder, while the Ford came to a controlled stop nearby. The motorhome was heavily damaged, and debris was scattered across the southbound lanes.
As traffic slowed in the area, a southbound tractor-trailer failed to reduce speed and collided with another tractor-trailer near mile marker 326. The impact triggered a chain-reaction crash involving two additional tractor-trailers.
The driver of the first tractor-trailer, identified as a 60-year-old man from Georgia, was ejected during the collision. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Another truck driver suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized. Two other drivers involved in the crash were not hurt.
The incident remains under review by authorities.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
Why Chain-Reaction Truck Accidents Happen on Busy Highways
Chain-reaction crashes involving large trucks can happen quickly when traffic suddenly slows or stops on major highways. Commercial vehicles need more distance to slow down because of their size and weight. When drivers do not have enough time to react, multiple vehicles can become involved within seconds.
Road debris, damaged vehicles, and blocked lanes can also increase the risk of secondary crashes. Even after an earlier accident appears contained, traffic backups may continue for miles and create dangerous conditions for approaching drivers.
Nighttime driving may add more challenges because visibility is reduced and drivers can have less time to identify stopped traffic ahead. Weather, driver fatigue, and heavy traffic volume are also factors commonly reviewed after major highway crashes involving tractor-trailers.
