Fiery semi crash closes I-275 near I-4 for several hours Wednesday; 1 taken to hospital: FHP

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A Texas man was taken to the hospital Wednesday afternoon after a fiery crash involving a semi-truck on I-4 at the I-275 junction in Tampa, according to authorities. 

What we know:

The Florida Highway Patrol said the semi, which was empty, was heading westbound on I-4, but as the vehicle entered the downtown exit ramp for Ashley Street, the driver had a medical emergency. 

Courtesy: Tampa Fire Rescue. 

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The 61-year-old Texas man lost control of the semi, which slammed into the outside barrier guardrail and concrete wall, troopers said. The semi then caught fire after coming to a stop along the overpass atop I-275, investigators said. 

FHP said the driver is in stable condition. 

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol. 

Because of the fire, compromised structural integrity of the overpass and diesel fuel spilling onto I-275 below, FHP said the northand southbound lanes of I-275 were closed in that area. However after several hours, lanes reopened after 11 p.m. Wednesday. 

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol. 

The Source: The information in this story was released by the Florida Highway Patrol. 

TampaFire