TAMPA, Fla. — The northbound lanes of Interstate 75 just past Bruce B. Downs Boulevard were reopened Thursday morning after Wednesday night's fiery semi truck crash that left two people dead and five others injured.
The lanes were reopened just before 8 a.m., more than 12 hours after the crash, which happened just before 7 p.m. Wednesday night.
At least eight vehicles were involved in the crash.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of the semi could not slow down in time to avoid the traffic ahead that had slowed to an almost stop. The semi plowed into multiple vehicles and collided with a pillar for an overhead roadway sign on the outside shoulder.
The semi and another vehicle became engulfed in flames. Both those drivers died. Troopers have not released the names of the people killed.
Crews were finally able to remove the semi just after 7 a.m. and reopened the lanes. Cleanup has continued along the side of the roadway.
The crash remains under investigation.