Parts of Interstate 75 in Sarasota are still closed Saturday after a fatal crash involving an overturned fuel truck late Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

  • Crash involved semi fuel tanker; driver died
  • I-75 was closed in both directions overnight Friday
  • Southbound lanes closed through Saturday night

The crash happened Friday at about 10:45 p.m. on Interstate 75 and involved a semi fuel tanker.

Troopers say a fuel tanker transporting about 8,500 gallons of fuel overturned. Officials estimated 2,500 gallons spilled onto the roadway.

The truck driver, whose identity has not been released, was killed in the crash, according to FHP.

Emergency crews had to transfer the remaining fuel to another tanker truck. Hazmat crews were still monitoring the fuel Saturday morning.

Northbound and southbound lanes of I-75 from exit 182 to exit 179 were closed while crews were at the scene. Northbound lanes have since reopened. Southbound lanes between those exits are expected to remain closed into Saturday evening, according to troopers. 

The extended closure is needed to allow crews to clean up the area and possibly make roadway repairs.

Southbound drivers will need to find an alternate route during the closure.

For the latest traffic information: Bay News 9 Traffic