7 crashes with 46 vehicles in Fla. cause delays on I-75

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say at least seven crashes involving 46 vehicles on Interstate 75 are expected to block southbound traffic for several hours heading toward southwest Florida.

The Florida Highway Patrol reports that the collisions occurred Friday afternoon near the border between Sarasota and Manatee counties. The Patrol says 52 people were transported to area hospitals, but no fatalities were reported.

The roadway is expected to remain closed into the evening.

Authorities didn't immediately report the cause of the collisions.