BRANDON, Fla. — A crash involving two tractor-trailers and an SUV on I-75 NB is to blame for the death of a Ruskin woman.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, around 10:00 a.m., a tractor-trailer was driving northbound in the outside lane of I-75 when it drifted onto the shoulder at Exit 256 and crashed into a stopped tractor-trailer.
The impact caused the natural gas tanks of the first tractor-trailer to separate, become airborne and fall onto a Buick Enclave. The impact of the flying gas tanks led to the death of a 49-year-old woman from Ruskin.
The crash between the two tractor-trailers also caused the cotton clothing products inside of the stopped tractor-trailer to catch on fire.
The northbound lanes of the expressway were closed for more than four hours while troopers investigated and cleared the debris.
FHP said a 22-year-old driver and two children ages 4 and 10 were inside the Buick. They are said to have minor injuries.
Their relationship to the victim is currently unknown.
The drivers of the semi-trucks are said to have minor injuries.
At this time, it is unknown what caused the tractor-trailer to drift off the interstate. FHP continues to investigate.
