Sumter Co., FL – Fatal Semi-Truck Crash on I-75 Near SR-470

Sumter County, FL (February 1, 2026) – A fatal multi-vehicle crash claimed the life of a 19-year-old man early Saturday morning, January 31, on Interstate 75 near the Lake Panasoffkee interchange, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The collision occurred around 5:18 a.m. in the southbound lanes near State Road 470.

Authorities said the young man, who was traveling from Tampa in a Honda Accord, struck the rear of a semi-tractor truck that had stopped along the emergency shoulder due to mechanical problems. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda left the travel lanes and entered the shoulder before colliding with the truck.

The driver of the semi, a 35-year-old man from Rhode Island, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was evaluated at the scene and later transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care. The teenage driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers closed portions of southbound I-75 while they documented evidence and cleared the roadway. Traffic delays were reported as investigators worked to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

If you or someone close to you was injured in a crash on Interstate 75, you may want to speak with our personal injury lawyers to better understand your legal options. You can reach out to us for general information and guidance related to I-75 accident claims.