News Summary
A tragic multi-car collision occurred on I-75 south in Gibsonton, resulting in a fatality and significant traffic disruptions. The accident involved several vehicles, including a disabled Honda Civic and a Chevy Traverse, causing the death of a 35-year-old man who fell off a bridge into the Alafia River. Fortunately, the other drivers involved only sustained minor injuries. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns on busy highways, prompting authorities to urge drivers to remain vigilant.
Gibsonton – A multi-car collision on I-75 south has resulted in a fatality and significant traffic disruptions in the Gibsonton area. The crash, which took place just after 5:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning, involved several vehicles and forced authorities to close the interstate while investigations were conducted.
The series of events began with two separate single-vehicle crashes that left drivers outside of their vehicles. A 35-year-old man from Spring Hill was involved in one of these incidents, which resulted in his Honda Civic being disabled. He was reportedly walking around his vehicle when another car collided with it.
At the same time, a 20-year-old woman from Kentucky was driving a Mazda 3 sedan southbound on I-75 when she also lost control of her vehicle, resulting in a single-vehicle crash just south of the Spring Hill man’s car.
The car that ultimately caused the tragedy was a Chevy Traverse, being driven by a 41-year-old woman from Brandon. While traveling southbound on I-75, she collided with the Honda Civic. The impact of the collision caused the 35-year-old man to fall off the bridge into the Alafia River below. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
In addition to the fatality, the Chevy Traverse also struck the Mazda 3. Fortunately, the Kentucky driver was not inside her vehicle at the time of the crash and escaped uninjured. The Brandon woman suffered minor injuries but did not require serious medical attention.
Following the collision, traffic on I-75 was significantly affected. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded quickly to the scene, blocking all southbound lanes for investigation purposes. Detours were established, diverting traffic onto US-301 S starting at mile marker 254. While one lane reopened at approximately 6:45 a.m., full traffic flow wouldn’t resume until after noon.
This tragic incident is part of a concerning pattern of crashes on I-75, as there was also an unrelated crash earlier on the same morning that resulted in the death of a woman from Tampa. These multiple incidents highlight the dangers posed by traffic accidents on busy highways.
The FHP is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatal accident to determine the specific causes and any contributing factors. Authorities have urged drivers to remain vigilant, adhere to speed limits, and remain cautious, particularly in adverse driving conditions or when encountering accidents on roadways.
This multi-car collision has left a profound impact on the local community as well as raising awareness about road safety. The tragic loss of life serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safe driving practices.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Traffic Disruptions on I-275 Due to Crashes and Rain
Tampa Area Vehicle Crashes Result in Multiple Fatalities and Injuries
I-275 Reopens After Multiple Vehicle Crashes in Tampa
Tampa Man Dies in Wawa Parking Lot Accident
Tampa: Three Injured in Vehicle Overturn Crash
High-Speed Police Chase Ends in Crash on Gandy Bridge
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: I-75 South Reopens
- Wikipedia: I-75 (Florida)
- WTSP: I-75 Southbound Crash
- Google Search: I-75 Florida crash
- WFLA: Major I-75 Crash in Gibsonton
- Google Scholar: Traffic accidents I-75
- Fox 13 News: Fatal Crash Closes I-75
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- ABC Action News: Passenger Killed in I-75 Crash
- Google News: I-75 traffic accidents
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
