It happened shortly after 11 a.m. A semi-truck hauling sand had a mechanical failure, crashing into a car and the center barrier, closing down several lanes of I-275 for more than two hours just west of downtown Tampa, according to a media release from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
The tractor trailer was in the middle lane on southbound I-275 near the Westshore exit when a problem developed in its steer axles, causing the driver to lose control.
The FHP release states that Silvio Torres-Hernandez, 64, then veered left into the inside emergency lane, hitting a Buick driven by Theresa Ann Alexander, 53.
The truck continued to careen left until it hit the inside concrete barrier, striking two light poles before stopping.
The impact caused the truck to spill sand into the northbound lane, which also had to be closed off. Alexander had minor injuries, while Torres-Hernandez reported no injuries. The accident is still under investigation.
