7 people killed in fiery crash on Florida highway

At least seven people were killed and several injured on Thursday afternoon in a fiery crash in northern Florida in which two tractor-trailers, a van and a car collided, authorities said.

The crash occurred on Interstate 75 near Gainesville, Florida, about 3:40 p.m. Eastern time, according to a news release from the Florida Highway Patrol.

About 50 gallons of diesel fuel that spilled appeared to intensify the burst of flames and plumes of black smoke.

The crash occurred on Interstate 75 near Gainesville, Florida, about 3:40 p.m. Eastern time, according to a news release from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Several people were injured, some critically, according to a statement on Facebook from Alachua County Fire Rescue. The fire had been extinguished by Thursday evening, the statement said.

The highway patrol said both lanes of the interstate were closed "due to a large amount of personal property, vehicle parts and burned vehicles still on the roadway."