A fatal head-on collision occurred today outside Clay High School, causing one death and closing State Road 16 in both directions. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the fatality in a multi-vehicle crash near the school. Police and emergency teams responded to the scene, according to First Coast News.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook posted on Facebook asking the public to avoid the area and advised Clay High students to use an alternative entrance to the school. The Clay County Sheriff's Office confirmed that no students or staff from the school were involved in the crash, as per News4Jax.
The Florida Highway Patrol, as reported by News4Jax, explained that the crash began when one vehicle rear-ended another before moving into oncoming traffic, causing the fatal accident. State Road 16 West was fully closed, with traffic redirected from CR-315A to Randall Road. This detour was set up to allow emergency vehicles to access the area.
While authorities managed the accident scene, the Clay County School District worked to maintain normal routines for students. The district announced that no student would be marked late due to traffic delays caused by the crash, Action News Jax reported.
Significant delays are expected in the area as the investigation continues and crews work to clear the scene. The names of those involved and the cause of the crash are still under investigation, with officials waiting to release details until proper notifications are made. Commuters are advised to use alternate routes and follow traffic updates.
