Crash closes Philips Highway

JSO: speed and alcohol factors in accident

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Both southbound and northbound lanes of Philips Highway were shut down near St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville due to an accident Wednesday morning.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Detective Brian Blaquiere said a Toyota Camry was pulling out of a business driveway on the east side of Philips about 5 a.m. when a burgundy Ford Explorer, going north on Philips, clipped the Camry.

Investigators say the Explorer flipped and hit a concrete wall on the southbound lane.

The the driver of the Explorer, a man in his 20s, was ejected from the vehicle and was taken to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.  His name was not released at the scene.

The driver of the Camry was not injured.

Blaquiere said speed and alcohol were factors in the accident.

Philips Highway was expected to reopen by 9 a.m.