Fatal Food Truck Crash On I-75 Caused By Blown Tire: FL Highway Patrol

SARASOTA, FL — A blown tire caused a fatal crash on I-75 Tuesday morning, as well as significant traffic delays for those heading south on the highway, Bradenton police shared on Facebook.

A food truck’s tire blew as it was about to exit onto Fruitville Road just before 10 a.m., police said.

This caused the truck to overturn and become engulfed in flames, trapping both the driver and the passenger inside, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release.

While good Samaritans tried to rescue those in the truck, both died, police said.

Sarasota County EMS pronounced them dead at the scene. The driver and passenger will be identified by the Medical Examiner’s Office, FHP said.

The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the crash.

Following the accident, southbound lanes were diverted to University Parkway. Though the outside lanes of I-75 south reopened just before noon, drivers should still expect delays, police said.