Dump Truck Crashes into Water Works Park AFTER
ITS BRAKES FAIL DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE
The 1700 block of Highland Avenue is currently closed.
Update Dec. 29, 2:55 p.m.: The Tampa Police Department
has cited the driver of the dump truck, Ariel Perez Alvarez, 43, for having
detective brakes and tires.
According to the police department, the crash happened
around 8:42 a.m. when the truck was exiting Interstate 275 onto southbound
Doyle Carlton. The driver was unable to stop for the stop sign or negotiate the
left turn, an email to media stated. Alvarez told police his brakes failed,
forcing him to cross Doyle Carlton and crash the front gate at Water Works
park.
“The truck, fully loaded with dirt, stopped short of
entering the Hillsborough River,” the email stated.
Tampa Fire Rescue and the Department of Environmental
Protection had to respond for an oil scene. The Florida Highway Patrol came out
to assist with the truck inspection.
Highland Avenue is now open to traffic.
Earlier:
The Tampa Police Department is asking motorists to steer
clear of Highland Avenue Monday morning as it investigates a single-vehicle
crash.
According to the department, a dump truck lost control
and crashed into Water Works Park, 1710 Highland Ave.
There were no injuries. Police have not yet released
information about damage to the city park.