GAINESVILLE -- Deputies responding to the first of multiple crashes in a major pileup along I-75 near Gainesville early Saturday morning described "a nightmare" as they heard vehicles colliding and screams of the dying they couldn't find because of zero visibility caused be dense smoke and fog coupled with darkness.
Investigators are looking into the possibility an arsonist set the fire that caused smoke that led to the deaths of at least 10 people and injured 21 in the series of overnight crashes on I-75 near Gainesville.
According to Florida Highway Patrol officials, the crashes, involving at least 12 cars and seven semis, appeared to be caused by the combination of heavy smoke from the fire and fog reducing visibility on the interstate
According to Alachua County Sheriff's spokesperson Sgt. Todd Kelly, a fellow deputy described putting his hand in front of his face when he arrived on the scene and not being able to see it.
Kelly described the scene that delved into a helpless "nightmare" as more and more crashes occurred in the surrounding darkness, smoke and fog:
"They were up there trying to get help to these people, and, while they're doing that, more traffic crashes are occurring and it's like a domino effect.
They hear tires screeching and people calling out for help, and, you know, at some point [they] almost feel helpless, because they can't find where these people are, where the next crash is, and at the same time they're dodging bullets -- cars on the interstate -- dodging them to get help to those in need."
Of the injured, 18 are being treated at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida, a spokesperson said. Six patients were admitted through the hospital's Level I Trauma Center and 12 in the emergency department.
"I've never seen anything like it, and Lt. Riordon, with the [Florida] Highway Patrol, mentioned that he'd never seen one this bad and he's been doing this, I think, close to 29 years," the ACSO spokesperson said.
