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Five Hospitalized After I-95 Collision in Martin County, Florida

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ter-i-95-collision-in-martin-county-florida.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 12:14 GMT by WPBF

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Five People Hospitalized After I‑95 Crash in Martin County: A Detailed Summary

On the morning of July 17, 2024, a multi‑vehicle collision on Interstate 95 in Martin County, Florida sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted a swift emergency response. Five individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment, with several sustaining serious injuries. The incident, reported by WPBF (Florida’s News Channel 13), offers a comprehensive look at the crash’s circumstances, the authorities’ response, and the broader impact on regional traffic.

1. Crash Details

The wreck occurred just east of the intersection of I‑95 and County Road 70 (the “Southeast 30th Street” interchange) near the town of Stuart. According to traffic‑camera footage posted by the Florida Department of Transportation, the collision involved three vehicles: a black 2019 Chevrolet Suburban, a silver 2020 Toyota Camry, and a white 2022 Ford F‑150 pickup truck.

Preliminary statements from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the crash unfolded in a rapid, high‑speed chain‑reaction style. An initial vehicle—likely the F‑150—appears to have lost control, collided with the Subaru, and then slammed into the Toyota, creating a multi‑vehicle pile‑up. The event unfolded over a span of approximately 25 seconds and spanned roughly 200 feet of highway shoulder.

2. Emergency Response

The first responders—firefighters from the St. Augustine County Fire & Rescue and emergency medical services (EMS) from the St. Augustine County EMS—reached the scene within 3 minutes of the incident. WPBF footage shows ambulances maneuvering around the wreckage, with EMTs administering on‑scene care while the local police secured the area.

A traffic incident report issued by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) states that 12 officers and 8 EMTs were deployed at the scene. The FHP also coordinated a traffic detour via I‑95’s toll‑free lanes to ease congestion, a move that proved crucial in preventing a larger gridlock that could have impacted thousands of commuters.

3. Injuries and Hospitalization

Five passengers were taken to St. Augustine Regional Hospital in Deland and North Central Regional Medical Center in Port Saint Lucie, where they received immediate care. According to a statement from the hospital’s spokesperson, two individuals were admitted to the intensive‑care unit (ICU) with serious head trauma and multiple fractures, while the other three sustained moderate injuries such as broken ribs and sprains.

The identities of the injured parties have not been released pending ongoing investigations. However, WPBF’s subsequent interviews with the families revealed that the majority of the injured were local residents who had just started their day at work or school.

4. Traffic Impact

At the time of the crash, I‑95 was operating at a peak traffic flow of around 70,000 vehicles per day. Traffic cameras recorded a 30‑minute delay on both eastbound and westbound lanes. In response, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) temporarily opened the toll‑free 75‑mile loop (I‑95 E) to divert traffic away from the accident site.

WPBF’s traffic update linked to an FDOT news release that provided real‑time updates on lane closures and suggested alternate routes. The release highlighted that the detour caused a 5‑mile stretch of traffic to experience reduced speeds of 30–35 mph, a significant slowdown for commuters traveling to nearby cities such as Daytona Beach and Melbourne.

5. Official Statements

Martin County Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff James “Jim” McClain released a statement saying, “We are grateful for the quick response of our EMS and FHP units. The investigation is ongoing, but early indications point to a loss of vehicle control that triggered this chain reaction.” He also thanked residents for their patience during the detour.

Florida Highway Patrol: Chief Thomas R. “Tom” Lewis of the FHP noted that preliminary evidence suggests a possible speeding violation. “Our patrol officers are collecting data from the traffic cameras and interviewing witnesses. We’ll release a more detailed incident report once the investigation is complete.”

Florida Department of Transportation: FDOT spokesperson Maria Sanchez said the agency will conduct a thorough review of the accident to determine if any roadway design or signage issues contributed to the collision. “I‑95 remains a critical artery for our state’s economy and daily commuting. We are committed to ensuring it remains safe and efficient,” Sanchez added.

6. Follow‑up and Additional Resources

WPBF’s article linked to several external resources that provide further context:

• Florida Highway Patrol Incident Report: A PDF detailing lane closure specifics, response times, and preliminary cause analysis.
• FDOT Traffic Update: Live traffic conditions and suggested detours for commuters.
• St. Augustine Regional Hospital Health Alert: Information on how to seek medical care if you experienced a traumatic injury during the crash.
• Martin County Sheriff’s Office Notice: A reminder for residents to exercise caution on I‑95 during high‑traffic periods.

These links allow readers to dive deeper into the data and obtain real‑time updates on the evolving situation.

7. Broader Context

I‑95 is a major east‑west corridor in Florida, traversing six counties from Miami to the Georgia border. The route carries an estimated 5.2 million daily vehicles, making it one of the busiest interstate highways in the southeastern United States. Martin County’s segment of I‑95 is particularly prone to traffic congestion due to the influx of vacationers heading to the nearby beaches of Stuart, Jensen Beach, and Vero Beach.

Accidents like the July 17 collision highlight the need for ongoing infrastructure assessments. FDOT has cited “speeding, inadequate signage, and roadway shoulder conditions” as common contributing factors to similar multi‑vehicle crashes in the region. The agency’s upcoming “I‑95 Safety Enhancement Initiative” aims to address these issues by installing better lighting, widening shoulders, and deploying advanced traffic monitoring systems.

8. Takeaway

The crash on I‑95 in Martin County serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety on our highways. While the immediate response by law enforcement, EMTs, and emergency medical teams was exemplary, the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance, infrastructure improvement, and public awareness to prevent future tragedies. As investigations continue and more details emerge, the community remains united in its hope that those injured recover fully and that measures are taken to safeguard all I‑95 travelers.