Dozens of vehicles involved in I-75 crash at Sarasota, Manatee county line

SARASOTA, Fla. - All southbound lanes on Interstate 75 are closed after a crash involving at least 13 vehicles near the University Parkway in Sarasota.

Several crashes involving between 30 and 50 vehicles have completely closed the southbound lanes of I-75 on the overpass at exit 213 near the Manatee/Sarasota County line.

According to officials, there have been two trauma alerts, with both victims flown to Bayfront Medical Center.  Twenty-one others have been transported to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. 

Another 30 or so people have no injury.

Sarasota County Sheriff's spokesperson Wendy Rose says a leak from a tanker truck carrying calcium carbonate has been stopped.  Calcium carbonate is used in several industrial applications, and it is not considered hazardous.

Southbound traffic is currently being diverted at University Parkway, and rerouted on the other side of the overpass.

The Florida Highway Patrol estimates the interstate will be closed for three or more hours.