Tanker Truck Accident Closes Northbound Lanes Of Interstate 75

NEW TAMPA, FL -- An overturned tanker truck carrying an alcohol-based solution caused a traffic jam Thursday afternoon but no injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the accident occurred just after noon in the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 just south of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard when a tractor-trailer truck carrying hazardous materials was overtaken by a black Acura four-door traveling at a high speed.

Troopers say the Acura, driven by Kimberly M. Westfall, 27 of Tampa was heading north on the interstate when it suddenly changed from the outside lane to the inside lane, crossing all four northbound lanes in the process. It came upon slower-moving traffic so the Acura changed back to the outside lane and collided with the front of the tanker truck.

The Acura came to a controlled stop on the outside shoulder as the tanker truck, driven by Reginald E. Johnson, 50, of Jacksonville, jackknifed to the outside shoulder. The truck overturned, slid down the interstate more than 200 feet and came to rest along the shoulder and outside lane.

Both drivers sustained minor injuries.

The accident caused a small spill, forcing the temporary closure of northbound lanes on the interstate. Traffic was diverted to Fletcher Avenue so workers could up-right the truck and clean up the spill.

Westfall has been charged with reckless driving.

(For more local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)