Flaming pumpkins on Florida interstate

SAN ANTONIO, Fla. — A trucker hit a guardrail at 4:30 in the morning while traveling southbound on Interstate 75 in Pasco County, Florida. The crash was followed by a fire and soon a cargo of pumpkins were burning. Others rolled into the lanes of traffic.

Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Gaskins said the woman driving the truck escaped unharmed.

Gaskins says traffic on the interstate's southbound lanes are still backed up for several miles. He says the roadway will have to be repaved to repair the damage.

Troopers are urging motorists to seek alternate routes to avoid delays.

FHP Traffic Alert:

Due to the commercial vehicle crash earlier this morning, traffic continues to back up several miles. Necessary repairs are considered extensive as the roadway will have to repaved to the fire.

Drivers are strongly urged to seek OTHER southbound travel routes to include US-301, US-41, SR-589 and Florida’s Turnpike depending on the individual’s destination.