LAKELAND, Fla. — A serious multi-vehicle crash brought westbound traffic on Interstate 4 to a standstill Sunday evening after a collision involving multiple vehicles near Exit 38 at State Road 33 in Lakeland.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the crash occurred just west of Exit 38, prompting officials to shut down all westbound lanes of Interstate 4 shortly after 5:30 p.m. as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Authorities confirmed that at least two people suffered critical injuries in the crash. Both victims were transported from the scene by first responders for emergency medical treatment. Officials have not yet released the identities of the injured individuals or provided updates on their conditions.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not announced how many vehicles were involved or whether any additional injuries were reported.
Interstate Closure Causes Major Traffic Disruptions
The closure has created significant traffic congestion across the Lakeland area as law enforcement officers and transportation officials work to manage the scene and safely divert motorists away from the affected section of the interstate.
All westbound traffic on Interstate 4 is being redirected off the highway at Exit 38 (State Road 33). In addition, the westbound entrance ramp from State Road 33 onto I-4 has been closed, preventing drivers from accessing the interstate while emergency operations continue.
The Florida Department of Transportation warned motorists to expect extended travel delays and encouraged anyone traveling through Polk County to consider alternate routes until the roadway can be safely reopened.
“Significant delays are expected in the area,” FDOT said in a traffic advisory. “Motorists are strongly advised to seek alternate routes and exercise caution when traveling through detour zones.”
Emergency Response Underway
Emergency responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics, remain at the crash site. Their efforts include treating injured victims, investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, clearing damaged vehicles, and ensuring the roadway is safe before traffic can resume.
Traffic investigators are expected to examine evidence from the scene to determine what caused the crash. Authorities have not said whether factors such as excessive speed, distracted driving, mechanical failure, or weather conditions may have contributed to the incident.
Motorists traveling through the area have reported lengthy backups stretching for several miles as vehicles are diverted from the interstate onto local roadways.
Investigation Continues
As of Sunday evening, officials had not provided an estimated timeline for reopening the westbound lanes of Interstate 4. Drivers are urged to monitor traffic updates from the Florida Department of Transportation and local law enforcement agencies before traveling through the corridor.
Anyone with information related to the crash may be asked to assist investigators as they work to determine exactly what led to the serious collision.
Authorities are expected to release additional details, including the identities of those injured and the total number of vehicles involved, once more information becomes available.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as officials release new information.
