PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A Largo man is recovering from severe burns after a tire failure caused his concrete truck to overturn and burst into flames on Interstate 75 on Friday morning.
The crash happened around 11:10 a.m. near mile marker 280 on northbound I-75, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers reported that 47-year-old Rich Wenz lost control of the vehicle following a tire failure. The truck left the roadway, rolled over onto the east shoulder, and caught fire.
Emergency responders transported Wenz to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries, which include severe burns across his body and to his left hand.
Following the crash, community members launched an online fundraiser to assist Wenz and his wife, Dawn, during his recovery and expected time away from work.
“Rich and Dawn Wenz have been part of this community for many years, always showing up for others in any way they can. Now they are facing an incredibly difficult time and need that same love and support in return,” the GoFundMe campaign page states.
According to the fundraiser, the collected donations will help cover everyday living expenses, household bills, and basic necessities while Wenz undergoes treatment and rehabilitation.
“This fundraiser is to help Rich and Dawn with everyday expenses like food, house bills, and other basic needs while Rich is unable to work,” the campaign page reads. “The goal is to ease some of the financial pressure so they can focus on what matters most: Rich getting better.”
The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that the crash investigation remains closed and no other vehicles were involved.
READ: Police Search For Straw-Hatted Cyclist After Afternoon Bank Robbery In Largo
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
