Pasco County Fire Rescue and the Florida Highway Patrol are on the scene of a tractor-trailer fire on I-75 northbound near MM 285.
- Driver severely injured
- Explosion occurred due to ruptured fuel tank
FHP Troopers reported that the tractor trailer, traveling northbound in the outside lane, left the roadway and entered the paved road shoulder for reasons unknown. The driver, Eddy Perez, 69, then apparently over-corrected while trying to get back on the roadway, crossed the northbound travel lanes, and collided with a temporary construction guard rail.
The collision ruptured the tractor's fuel tank, resulting in the fire. Post-impact, the tractor trailer traveled about 300 feet, coming to rest in the outside northbound lane.
Pasco Fire Rescue officials said the Perez suffered burns on 40 percent of his body and was airlifted to a local trauma center.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and no other injuries were reported.
All northbound traffic on I-75 was temporarily stopped after the crash. Both northbound lanes reopened shortly after 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.