FHP reports woman killed in 5-car crash on I-295 near Old St. Augustine Road

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 5-vehicle collision on Interstate 295 North near Old St. Augustine Road turned deadly earlier today, resulting in the loss of a 61-year-old woman’s life, as reported by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 5:29 p.m., when Vehicle 1, traveling northbound in the inside lane, failed to decelerate and slammed into the rear of Vehicle 2, which was forced to slow down due to traffic congestion.

In an attempt to evade the collision, the driver of Vehicle 1 swerved into the center lane, inadvertently cutting off Vehicle 3 in the process. Vehicle 3, trying to change lanes to avoid Vehicle 1, collided with its right rear, worsening the chaos on the highway.

Vehicle 1 was then redirected into the HOV lanes, colliding with Vehicle 4 traveling in the outside HOV lane, causing Vehicle 1 to spin uncontrollably in a counterclockwise direction.

Vehicle 5, trailing behind Vehicle 4, was unable to avoid the coming collision and crashed into the rear of Vehicle 1.

Vehicle 4 ultimately came to a halt, blocking several lanes of the highway, while Vehicle 1 came to rest facing north on the inside paved shoulder.

Tragically, despite the efforts of emergency personnel, the driver of Vehicle 1, identified as a 61-year-old woman, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Vehicles 2, 3, 4, and 5 were subsequently relocated to the inside paved median.

While authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the initial collision, they urge all motorists to exercise caution and maintain safe distances, particularly in heavy traffic conditions.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.