PLANT CITY, Fl. — A 31-year-old Tampa was killed Saturday in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 4 just west of Branch Forbes Rd.
Kilbert Medina Rijos was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, the incident occurred just after 6 p.m. in the westbound lanes. Investigators say the 2005 Chevrolet Sports Utility Vehicle suffered a tire blow-out, causing its driver to lose control.
The vehicle entered the center media of the highway and flipped over. The driver and his passenger – 35-year-old Jennifer Rodriguez of Tampa – were not wearing seatbelts. Rodriguez was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where she is listed in serious condition.
A teenage boy and a one-year-old female child suffered minor injuries and were also transported to LRMC. The report indicates Rodriguez is the children’s mother.
The crash and investigation snarled traffic in the area for several hours.
