Three People Killed, Two Injured in 7-Vehicle Pileup After One Driver Strikes a Parked Vehicle

Accident in I-75 Sarasota

Three people were killed and two more were injured in a 7-vehicle pileup on I-75 in Sarasota on Monday, March 9.

Authorities say the massive accident happened near Exit 210 at Fruitville Road on Monday morning. Seven vehicles were involved, including a cement mixer.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are still working to determine exactly what happened, but this is what they know so far: Joseph Pontillo, 24, of Sarasota, was lawfully stopped within the paved shoulder of the road in his Dodge Dakota. Jose Leal, 56, and Mario Mendoza, 53, both of Cape Coral. were also on the side of the road, changing the tire on a vehicle. At some point, Pontillo’s vehicle was struck by another vehicle, killing him and sending the Dodge Dakota into Leal and Mendoza.

Leal was pronounced dead, and Mendoza was taken to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

Joseph Lydic, 50, of Sarasota, who was driving the cement truck, was also killed. Angela Blase, 55, of Venice, was also injured and taken to a hospital for treatment.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I-95 is the second deadliest highway in the state of Florida, after I-10, with 204 deaths.