TAMPA, FL (WFLA) — A single-vehicle crash on I-75 southbound has left one person dead. The crash closed the interstate from Bruce B Downs to I-275 Thursday morning for hours.
At this time, the left lane remains closed. All other lanes have re-opened at this time. The crash is backing up traffic on both I-75 SB and I-275 into downtown Tampa.
Florida Highway Patrol reports the crash happened around 3:25 a.m. Thursday morning. Paul Duarte Braga, 43, of St. Petersburg, was driving an Isuzu truck southbound on I-75 when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into the guardrail. Braga was ejected from the truck and was pronounced dead on scene. FHP says he was not wearing a seatbelt and alcohol was not involved.
His passenger, 21-year-old Sonia Braga, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
The crash closed I-75 in both directions for hours. All northbound lanes are now open.
