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.
WATCH: This footage from @MyFDOT traffic cameras near Fowler Avenue shows I-75 stopped in both directions due to a truck fire. The fire now appears to be out, but all lanes still shut down. pic.twitter.com/RvK3Rshz39
— Spectrum Bay News 9 (@BN9) October 2, 2018
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.
Fatal tractor-trailer accident shuts down both direction of I-75 during rush hour. Truck hauling tomatoes veers from overpass, crashing onto Fowler Ave. 1 confirmed fatality. Live picture from @8_plamison here >> https://t.co/6LSYKbHVND pic.twitter.com/aM7BSP6z5S
— Daisy Ruth (@daisyruth24) October 2, 2018
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.
Both directions of I-75 are shut down at Fowler Avenue due to traffic accident. FHP is working the crash and we are supporting with traffic control. Expect heavy delays for some time. Please use an alternate route.
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) October 2, 2018