NORTH PORT, Fla. — Several people are suffering injuries following a seven-car crash Monday morning on Interstate 75 in Sarasota County, authorities said.
The crash happened just after 10:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes at mile marker 187 north of North Port, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
The Florida Highway Patrol says five vehicles were traveling northbound in the left lane of I-75, south of River Road.
One of the vehicles, a sedan, had some debris directly in its path, causing the driver to swerve and move into the shoulder. That caused the car to crash into a tire company's vehicle parked on the shoulder. The unidentified tire company car was changing tires for an SUV that was already parked on the left shoulder.
FHP says an oncoming pickup truck also tried avoiding the debris, which led to the driver crashing into the rear and left side of the disabled SUV.
Due to the initial crashes, another oncoming SUV driving northbound made a sudden stop, leading to a crash involving two more SUVs.
FHP troopers assisted the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputies at the scene.
According to officials, all drivers and passengers range from ages 18 to 66.
The driver and passenger of the first sedan are facing serious injuries and were taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. At least three other people involved are suffering minor injuries, officials say.
After about an hour-long closure, law enforcement opened the right shoulder to allow traffic to get by the crash.
Drivers were able to get by after the scene was cleared thereafter.
The investigation into this crash is still ongoing.