One dead after truck plummets off I-75 overpass, catches fire
In Tampa during evening rush hour -- avoid the area!
By Ashley
October 2, 2018
Florida transportation officials have shut down a stretch of I-75 in east Tampa after a fatal fiery multi-vehicle crash involving a truck that crashed off of an overpass.
The crash happened today just after 4 p.m. according to ABC Action News.
The Florida Highway Patrol reports that a truck hauling tomatoes was traveling south on I-75 when the driver lost control and crashed off of the interstate onto Fowler Avenue below. The crashed truck caught fire, sending large amounts of smoke into the air. The load of tomatoes spilled out onto the roadway after the crash.
Florida troopers say that several vehicles were involved in the crash.
At least one person died in the crash, but it isn’t clear what vehicle this person was inside. It isn’t clear how many injuries resulted from the crash.
I-75 is closed down in both directions and is expected to remain shut down for hours.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. —
One person is confirmed dead from a fiery crash that closed all lanes of I-75 and Fowler Avenue in both directions, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP says a tractor-trailer hauling tomatoes and a SUV crashed while traveling southbound on I-75 around 4:08 p.m. Tuesday. The impact caused the driver of the tractor-trailer to lose control and run off the I-75 overpass down onto Fowler Avenue, according to FHP.
The semi landed on top of a car traveling below on Fowler, killing the driver.
Five patients were transported from the scene.
Troopers say the crash involved at least four other vehicles.
Bridge inspectors evaluated the bridge for damage. The two outside SB lanes of I-75 have reopened, but NB I-75 and Fowler Ave. remain closed. Officials say Fowler will likely be closed most of the night.
Motorists are urged to use US-41 AND US 301 as alternatives.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue says that an explosion was involved, but did not have any additional information at this time.