Two people were killed Wednesday night, and all lanes on Interstate 75 in Tampa are now open following a fiery eight-vehicle crash involving a semi.
The roadway is closed near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers say the driver of the semi attempted to switch lanes just after 6 p.m. after traffic in the outside lane came to a slowdown north of New Tampa Boulevard.
While attempting to switch lanes, troopers say the driver struck the back of a vehicle and continued forward, colliding with other cars ahead of them.
The crash caused the semi and another vehicle – which struck a pillar for an overhead road sign -- to burst into flames, troopers say. Both drivers were killed, and six others were hospitalized.
The inside and center lanes reopened Thursday around 7:30 a.m., and the outside lane just before 11:30 a.m., troopers say.
This is a developing story. Stay with WUSF for updates.
I-75 UPDATE: 6 patients transported, 2 additional patients evaluated, and 1 fatality. 75 NB remains closed. Initial count of 8 vehicles involved. Firefighters putting out hot spots. #Breaking #PCFRNews pic.twitter.com/8iD88uGlK0
— Pasco Fire Rescue (@PascoFireRescue) November 14, 2019
