Drone finds victim who jumped into St. Johns River to avoid big rig after I-4 crash near Sanford

2 other victims taken to hospital, Seminole County officials say

A drone helps officials rescue a person in Seminole County. (SCFD)

SANFORD, Fla. – The story below was written from information provided by the Seminole County Fire Department.

The Florida Highway Patrol has since released a complete crash report.

To read the updated version of this story, please click here.


INITIAL STORY

A victim was rescued early Monday after jumping into the St. Johns River near Sanford following a crash and a close call with a big rig, officials said.

The initial crash happened around 3 a.m. on I-4 west near the St. Johns River/Lake Monroe Bridge.

According to the Seminole County Fire Department, the passengers involved in the crash got out of their car and were struck by the tractor-trailer, with one of them jumping into the river.

“It was extremely dark and with drones, our boats were able to find the patient, (who) did not sustain major injuries,” fire officials said.

The other two victims were taken to the hospital as trauma alert patients, SCFD said.

No other details have been released.

Clarification:

The FHP has provided updated information about the crash. Please see the note above.