Fiery crash kills at least one, stops traffic on I-75 near Bruce B. Downs

Pasco County Fire Rescue says six people were taken to the hospital and one has died after a fiery crash on the side of Interstate 75 in north Hillsborough County Wednesday.

The crash happened near mile marker 272, north of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, just before the Interstate 275 interchange. Florida Highway Patrol said all northbound traffic should divert before reaching Fletcher Avenue, with US-301 and US-41 being the preferable routes. Use I-4 as the diversionary route. 

Eight vehicles, including two tractor-trailers, were involved. According to FHP, one truck slammed into a road sign and burst into flames. Fire crews from Hillsborough and Pasco counties sprayed foam onto the fire for an hour before they were able to get it under control.

“There were parts all over the road. There’s going to be extensive cleanup. The cars were very, very heavily damaged, so we’re very thankful that the injuries weren’t worse than what they were,” Pasco Fire Rescue’s Corey Dierdorff said.

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Just before 10 p.m., fire crews were still working to put out hot spots. One truck was reportedly hauling waxy milk cartons and they keep igniting.

FDOT crews came to the crash scene to make sure the large sign near the crash was not damaged by the impact. Florida Highway Patrol, Tampa police, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Pasco County Fire Rescue, and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews were all on the scene.