An early-morning fatal crash shut down every eastbound lane of Interstate 10 near Hammond Boulevard on Monday, choking Jacksonville’s Westside commute and sending drivers onto long, winding detours. Emergency crews rushed in before sunrise, and at least one person was killed, according to on-scene reports and traffic-monitor data. Traffic was diverted off the interstate while investigators worked to piece together what happened and clear the wreckage.
What authorities say about the closure
The Florida Highway Patrol told News4JAX that troopers received the initial call just before 5:20 a.m. and confirmed that at least one person had died. Eastbound drivers were routed off I-10 at Chaffee Road, then directed along Crystal Springs Road over to Hammond Boulevard to get back onto I-10 eastbound. By 6:40 a.m., backups at the detour point had stretched to more than 35 minutes, and traffic anchors were urging some commuters to look for alternate routes.
Early reports showed different timelines
Coverage did not immediately line up on the timing. Action News Jax reported that the collision happened just after 2 a.m., with its traffic anchor providing live updates through the morning newscast. The mix of “just after 2 a.m.” and “just before 5:20 a.m.” call times highlights how early estimates and later official timestamps can differ while a crash investigation is still unfolding. Officials have repeatedly asked drivers to steer clear of the area while troopers and emergency crews secure the scene.
Hazmat reports and scene response
Radio chatter and traffic-feed updates indicated the wreck might involve hazardous materials. WOKV cited FL511 traffic data that showed hazmat crews being requested at the crash site. A Florida Times-Union summary carried by AOL/Florida Times-Union also noted a fatal crash on eastbound I-10 near mile marker 355 and reported that a hazardous-materials response was slowing the process of clearing the highway. With possible spills or contaminated cargo in play, clearing the main lanes could take hours while specialized hazmat teams work alongside state troopers.
Why this stretch often snags traffic
The segment of I-10 between Chaffee Road and Hammond Boulevard has already been on the state’s watch list. It has been targeted for repair work and resurfacing aimed at fixing long-running pavement issues, according to a 2024 report on Florida Department of Transportation plans from News4JAX. With that history of construction and past incidents, a shutdown in the early commute window on this particular stretch tends to send shock waves through nearby surface streets. Drivers can expect lingering delays on feeder roads while the interstate is cleared and inspected.
What drivers should know now
For now, motorists are urged to avoid I-10 eastbound near Hammond Boulevard and keep an eye on local traffic reports for word on when lanes will reopen. Action News Jax and local radio outlets have been posting live updates and suggesting alternate routes throughout the morning. Authorities are asking anyone who drove through the area around the time of the crash and has information or dash-cam video to contact the Florida Highway Patrol as the investigation continues.
