MASS CASUALTY INCIDENT. MULTIPLE HOSPITALS PLACED ON ALERT.
UPDATE: 4:00 p.m. — The scene is clear. Traffic has returned to normal on the Turnpike.
UPDATE: 3:08 p.m. — Palm Beach County Fire Rescue issued this statement to BocaNewsNow.com: “Just before 1pm, PBCFR Units were dispatched to the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike, south of Atlantic Road at approximately MM 79 for a vehicle crash. Initial arriving units found 2 SUVs and one minivan, along with a semi tractor trailer that was hauling automobiles were involved in a crash. All lanes were blocked. Two other vehicles were stopped amid the crash area, but were not involved.
There were multiple people in the vehicles. Initial arriving units declared this to be a level 2 mass casualty incident. A level 2 mass casualty incident involves from 11- 20 patients. It automatically sends additional resources to the scene and notifies area hospitals of a possible influx of patients. A total of 14 people were transported to area hospitals. One met trauma alert criteria, being transported to a Trauma Center. The other 13 individuals were taken to local hospitals. The FHP shut down southbound traffic during this time. All PBCFR Units have since cleared the scene, and the turnpike is expected to be reopened southbound very shortly, if not already. A total of 10 fire rescue apparatus and 25 personnel responded to this incident. In addition, PBCFR proactively moved additional units into the surrounding area to respond to any additional calls for service”
UPDATE: 2:22 p.m. — The Florida Department of Transportation has now downgraded this to an “intermediate” event as traffic is slowly being permitted to drive on the shoulder. Delays, however, span for miles. Expect massive delays to continue well into the afternoon.
UPDATE: 1:48 p.m. — This has officially been declared a “Mass Casualty Incident.” Despite at least fourteen people needing hospitalization, there were no reported fatalities. The Florida Turnpike southbound remains closed.
UPDATE: 1:40 p.m. Eight patients were transported to West Boca Medical Center with Boca Regional Medical Center receiving three patients. Delray Medical Center received three patients as well. The scene remains active.
UPDATE 1:34 p.m: A person stuck in traffic NEAR the crash is apparently suffering a panic attack because of the traffic, requiring an additional rescue unit to be called to the area of the scene.
UPDATE 1:30 p.m: Sources involved with the emergency response say 15 people are involved in the crash with at least 14 patients being transported to area hospitals. Delray Medical Center, West Boca Medical Center, and Bethesda West have all been told to expect patients.
DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Florida Turnpike is closed Southbound following a major crash in Delray Beach. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue issued this advisory to BocaNewsNow.com:
“Multi-vehicle crash on southbound Florida’s Turnpike south of Atlantic Avenue near MM 79. 5-6 vehicles were involved including a semi-truck. This event occurred just before 1pm.
Units are still on scene. All southbound lanes are currently closed. There will be considerable delays. Please consider alternate routes. We will update accordingly.”
It is unclear if anyone was injured or killed in the wreck. Check back for updates. Assume the Turnpike will be closed for several hours.
