Estero, FL (November 17, 2024) – Three individuals, including a Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy, were seriously injured in two separate crashes that occurred at the 123-mile marker of southbound I-75 in Estero late Sunday morning.
According to authorities, the first crash involved the deputy, who was responding to an earlier collision on the highway. The deputy’s vehicle was struck while parked on the shoulder with emergency lights activated, as the deputy was assisting the scene. The impact caused significant damage to the sheriff’s vehicle, and the deputy was immediately transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
A second crash occurred shortly after, involving two other vehicles near the initial accident scene. One of the drivers in the second collision was also seriously injured and required medical transport.
Emergency responders, including medics and local fire crews, worked quickly to provide care to all victims. A section of I-75 SB was temporarily closed while emergency crews cleared the wreckage and provided aid.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is investigating both accidents to determine the cause of the crashes. They have not yet released further details on the conditions of the other injured parties or the specifics of what led to the collisions.
Vehicle Collisions in Estero
Estero, located in Lee County, experiences heavy traffic flow on I-75, especially during the morning and afternoon commute hours. The busy stretch of highway is a known area for accidents, both major and minor, often exacerbated by the presence of first responders working on earlier crashes.
Local residents and commuters are urged to exercise caution when driving on I-75, particularly near accident scenes where visibility may be reduced, and traffic patterns can become unpredictable.
As the investigation continues, Local Accident Reports will provide updates on the conditions of the injured individuals and any further details regarding the causes of the crashes. We extend our thoughts to the victims of these accidents, including the Lee County deputy, and wish them a swift recovery. If you or a loved one have been involved in a similar incident, contact local authorities or a trusted advisor for guidance.