A 50-year-old Bradenton woman was seriously injured Monday morning when her Ford Bronco flew off U.S. Highway 41 in Ruskin, crossed the road, became airborne and tore through the roof of a building before flipping onto its side nearby. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital following the crash.
According to the WFLA, the Florida Highway Patrol said the woman was driving north on U.S. 41 near 5th Avenue Southeast when she lost control of the vehicle. Her Bronco crossed the median and the southbound lanes, struck a ditch, went airborne, and tumbled across a building's roof before continuing off, overturning and landing on its side a few yards away, the outlet reported.
Photos from the scene suggested the building that absorbed the brunt of the impact was a law firm located at 205 U.S. 41, which appeared to have a portion of its roof torn off, per the same report. A nearby Vietnamese restaurant also sustained damage to its outdoor seating area.
Driver Hospitalized, Key Details Still Pending
FHP confirmed the woman was seriously injured and flown to a hospital for treatment, the station's report noted. It remains unclear whether impairment or speed played any role in the crash, or whether the woman will face charges, according to the same account.
Business Owner Describes Seeing Car Approach at Full Speed
Kim Vinh, who owns the business next to the crash site, said the crash was unexpected and that she saw the car approach at full speed as she stepped outside, according to WFLA. Vinh said the crash left her traumatized, shaking, and with her heart pounding.
The crash damaged the building housing Brooks and Brooks Law and Hess Spinal and Medical Centers, leaving tire marks, debris and two large holes in the structure, the outlet reported. No one inside the building was reported injured.
Structural Engineer Finds Significant Damage to Roof
The building owner said a structural engineer evaluated the aftermath and found significant damage, per the same report. Vera Brooks said nearly the entire roof must be replaced because the trusses are gone.
WFLA also reported that the driver was cited for failing to maintain a lane. The driver's name has not been released by Florida Highway Patrol.
The Ruskin crash echoes other recent incidents across Florida in which vehicles have slammed into commercial buildings. In Fort Myers, a car crash tore out structural support beams and forced two stores in a shopping plaza to close, according to a WINK News report. On Marco Island, a vehicle crashed into a building on North Collier Boulevard, sending one person to the hospital, per a Gulf Coast News report.
Ruskin neighbors had previously pressed Hillsborough County for safety improvements amid what they described as non-stop speeding and crashes in the area, according to a separate WFLA report. No further updates on the Bradenton woman's condition or the investigation into Monday's crash had been released as of publication.
