Port Orange, Fla. – A large tractor‑trailer entered a retention pond on northbound Interstate 95 shortly after 9:20 p.m. Friday, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident occurred just before mile marker 252, in the rightmost lane of the highway.
What happened
Traffic cameras captured the truck veering off the pavement and descending into the water‑filled basin that serves as a storm‑water retention feature for the area. Emergency responders arrived quickly, extracting the driver and any passengers from the vehicle. Several individuals sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The exact nature and severity of the injuries have not been released.
Road impact
FDOT confirmed that the rightmost northbound lane remained blocked at the time of writing, with crews working to clear the wreckage and pump water from the pond. Motorists were advised to use the remaining lanes and to exercise caution, as traffic slowed considerably in the vicinity.
Official response
FHP spokesperson Deputy Chief Mark Daniels said investigators are reviewing video footage and conducting a preliminary assessment of the crash. “We are focused on ensuring the safety of all motorists and will keep the public informed as more details become available,” Daniels said.
FDOT’s traffic operations center also issued an alert, urging drivers to stay alert for possible delays and to follow any posted detour signs. The agency plans to evaluate the retention pond’s design and signage to determine whether additional safety measures are needed.
Community impact
Port Orange residents who rely on I‑95 for daily commutes expressed concern about the disruption. Local business owner Sarah Martinez of the nearby Port Orange Café noted, “We saw a line of cars backed up for miles. It’s a reminder of how quickly an accident can affect our whole community.”
City officials have not yet announced a timeline for fully reopening the lane, but they emphasized that safety remains the top priority.
What’s next
Both FDOT and FHP will continue their investigation, looking into factors such as road conditions, vehicle speed, and possible driver fatigue. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and as the lane is cleared for traffic.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
