Earlier yesterday, a semitrailer crash caused a significant fire and resulted in the closure of a part of the northbound I-275. According to the WFLA news report, the incident occurred when a tractor-trailer carrying sod failed to navigate a curve on the exit 30 ramp to Toll Road 690, 686A, and 118th Avenue in St. Petersburg, leading to the vehicle overturning and catching fire from a fuel leak. The driver, who has not been identified, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
The WTSP report states that fire crews responded to the scene for extinguishing the blaze and conducting hazmat evaluation and cleanup. The Florida Highway Patrol mentioned the crash happened at around 7:30 a.m. and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that the exit ramp would be closed through the night due to the damages. A detour was provided with instructions for drivers to exit onto westbound SR 686 (Roosevelt Boulevard), then turn left and go south on 28th Street N to reach 118th Avenue N, though access to Toll SR 690 and Toll 686A was not available from northbound I-275.
As per a Tampa Bay Times release, the accident caused substantial damage necessitating emergency repairs. The FDOT reported that the northbound I-275 exit 30 ramp to State Road 690 toll road and 118th Avenue N would be closed for these repairs. The expected reopening of the ramp is early Wednesday morning, weather permitting. The crash not only impacted traffic but also led to a brief environmental concern due to the materials involved in the accident.
Further details on the cause of accident and the potential impact of the hazmat situation have not been disclosed as of this writing.
