Man Seriously Injured After Semi Plummets Onto Fowler Avenue

TAMPA, FL — The Florida Highway Patrol is asking for help identifying a motorist that may have caused a Wednesday morning crash that snarled traffic after a semi crashed on Interstate 75 and fell onto Fowler Avenue.

According to the agency, Samuel R. Colon Jr., 49, of Zephyrhills was heading northbound on I-75 at Fowler Avenue around 6:46 a.m. Jan. 4. At that time, an unknown vehicle changed lanes in front of him.

Troopers say Colon, who was hauling recycled debris, attempted to avoid a crash by steering to the outside shoulder. When he did, he hit the barrier wall adjacent to the overpass of Fowler Avenue. Colon’s truck traveled up and over the barrier wall “and fell to Fowler Avenue below.”

The debris Colon was hauling also spilled onto Fowler Avenue causing multiple lanes of blockage Wednesday morning. Two eastbound vehicles struck the debris, causing damage to their vehicles, a patrol report said.

Colon was taken to a local hospital following the crash. He was last listed in serious condition.

Troopers are now looking for the motorist that may have initiated the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call the highway patrol at 813-631-4020.

Charges are pending the outcome of the patrol’s investigation. No further information is available at this time.

Photos courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol