Volusia County officials reported that a semi‑tractor trailer jackknifed on the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 at mile marker 244 near Edgewater on Monday afternoon. Traffic cameras captured the vehicle folding into a V‑shape after what appears to have been a minor collision, leaving the roadway blocked and causing a significant backup.

Impact on commuters

Motorists traveling north on I‑95 were forced to slow to a crawl or pull over onto the shoulder while the Department of Transportation (DOT) dispatched emergency responders and a tow crew. The blockage extended for several miles, prompting the Florida Highway Patrol to issue an advisory on local radio stations and via the Florida 511 traffic information system, urging drivers to consider alternate routes such as US‑1 or State Road 44.

Response and clearance efforts

DOT crews arrived on scene within 15 minutes and began assessing the semi’s condition. Preliminary reports suggest the driver may have lost control while attempting to merge, causing the trailer to swing into the opposite lane. Safety personnel secured the area, and a tow truck was called in to remove the vehicle. By late evening, the semi had been lifted and the lane reopened, though traffic remained slower than normal as drivers adjusted to the temporary lane reduction.

Safety reminders for local drivers

Volusia County officials used the incident as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe following distances, especially on high‑speed corridors like I‑95. They also encouraged motorists to stay alert for construction zones and to obey posted speed limits, which can help prevent jackknife scenarios that endanger both drivers and emergency responders.

What to expect moving forward

The Florida Department of Transportation will conduct a brief investigation into the cause of the jackknife, reviewing dash‑cam footage and interviewing the driver. No injuries were reported, and the semi’s cargo was not disclosed, as it posed no immediate hazard to the public.

Travelers in the area are advised to monitor local traffic reports and the Florida 511 website for real‑time updates on I‑95 conditions. The DOT plans to continue monitoring the corridor throughout the weekend to ensure smooth traffic flow and to address any lingering congestion.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.