TAMPA, Fla. – A tragic multi-vehicle collision on northbound Interstate 75 south of Fowler Avenue Saturday resulted in one fatality and the complete closure of the northbound lanes for several hours.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened at approximately 11:25 AM when a Hyundai Sonata, traveling southbound in the inside lane, entered the center lane and collided with a Mazda 6. Both vehicles were heading southbound at the time.
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The impact caused the Hyundai Sonata to veer sharply to the left, crossing into the median where it struck a guardrail and overturned. The overturned vehicle then entered the northbound lanes of I-75, where it collided with a Kia Sorento traveling northbound in the outside lane.
Debris from the violent collision subsequently struck a Honda Civic, which was traveling northbound in the center lane.
The driver of the Hyundai Sonata, a 56-year-old female from Gainesville, sustained fatal injuries at the scene and was pronounced deceased.
Following the collision with the Kia Sorento, the Hyundai Sonata continued to travel until it collided with and came to rest atop the outside guardrail of the northbound lanes.
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The driver of the Mazda 6, a 30-year-old female from Brooklyn, NY, reported no injuries. The driver of the Kia Sorento, a 57-year-old female from Riverview, sustained minor injuries. The driver of the Honda Civic, a 72-year-old female from Rockville, MD, also reported no injuries.
The northbound lanes of Interstate 75 were completely shut down following the crash to allow emergency responders access to the scene and for investigation and cleanup.
The Florida Highway Patrol reopened the northbound lanes at approximately 5:00 PM.
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