3 crashes, 2 overturned semis and an acid spill create chaos on SR-417 in Orange County

ORLANDO, Fla. – An overturned semitrailer prompted the closure of State Road 417 in Orange County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The crash happened Friday morning on southbound S.R. 417 south of Lee Vista Boulevard, northeast of Orlando International Airport.

The FHP said the big rig driver failed to maintain the center southbound lane and veered into the inside lane near mile marker 26. He then overcorrected to the right, causing the truck to overturn, according to FHP.

The driver and his passenger, a woman, were hospitalized for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to the FHP.

Orange County Fire Rescue told News 6 that about 12 gallons of muriatic acid spilled in the crash. OCFR said it took two people were to the hospital, clarifying an earlier statement that there were three victims.

All southbound lanes of S.R. 417 were blocked in the area as traffic was diverted onto Lee Vista Boulevard. The outside lane was later reopened, troopers said.

Some time later and near the first crash site, another semi overturned in a crash with an SUV, spilling roof shingles onto the toll road, according to the FHP. The drivers, both Orlando men, were not injured, troopers said.

A third crash was later reported in the same vicinity as the first two, but no injuries were reported. The FHP said it’s gathering information about the third wreck.