Dozens of vehicles involved in I-75 crash in Florida

WFLA-TV Authorities in Florida say a series of accidents, involving as many as 70 vehicles, shut down Interstate 75 at the Manatee and Sarasota county line. By Sevil Omer, NBC News SARASOTA, Fla. -- As many as 47 vehicles were involved in multiple crashes on a stretch of southbound Interstate 75 Friday, leaving mangled heaps of wreckage strewn along the Manatee and Sarasota county line, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. At least 52 people were taken to area hospitals, including three who were airlifted from the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. There were no immediate reports of fatalities, authorities said. A steady rain was falling at the time of the crash, which occurred after 3 p.m., the Herald-Tribune reported. "It was confusing, a lot of cars, a lot of rain," motorist Julio Olmedo told the newspaper. David Wagle, 57, said he was driving in the middle lane when he spotted a truck ahead lose control, the trailer jackknifing to the right, it said. "For a minute, nonstop, you could hear crash after crash," he said. Wagle said he escaped injury after his white Ford truck slammed into a ditch, narrowly missing a row of trees. "My truck doesn't have a scratch," he said. "Every car literally around is smashed." Authorities said I-75 was expected to be closed for hours. More content from NBCNews.com: Unemployment rate dips for veterans, but not ex-servicewomen 2,000 gone in Afghanistan: Did you notice the death of Sgt. Riley Stephens? Teen calls 911 to report mother, sister dead: 'I hate the feeling of killing someone' LAPD chief: We'll stop holding some undocumented immigrants for feds Lanai to become eco-lab that runs on solar, billionaire Ellison promises Up for grabs: the $300 million estate of reclusive heiress Huguette Clark Gray wolves probably real target of poisoned meat that killed dog Video: Could Border Patrol agent's death have been friendly fire? Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook