Tragedy struck early Monday near Tampa, Florida, when a tractor-trailer veered off an interstate bridge and into a canal, resulting in the unfortunate death of the 64-year-old driver from Mississippi. The incident, attributed to the driver losing control on the wet roadway due to severe weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Debby, occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 75, northeast of downtown Tampa.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the vehicle spun out of control, colliding with a concrete barrier wall along the outside shoulder before ultimately plunging into the Tampa Bypass Canal. The trailer portion of the truck was left hanging from the bridge, while the cab separated and fell into the water below.
Upon the arrival of emergency responders, the truck was found precariously perched on the guardrail, with the cab initially remaining above water. However, within 15 minutes, the front cab submerged into the canal, marking a tragic turn of events in the aftermath of the accident.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by inclement weather conditions on roadways, emphasizing the importance of exercising caution and vigilance while driving in adverse weather. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the driver during this difficult time.