Update 3 p.m.:
TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol has issued updates with details on the crash cause, injuries, and the expected length of the investigation.
A 42-year-old St. Pete man driving a Toyota Tundra lost control while entering southbound I-275 from SR-589/SR-60, hit a crash attenuator and spun into traffic, overturning and striking a Chevy Silverado driven by a 71-year-old St. Pete man.
Crash debris was subsequently struck by a Dodge Ram van and a Ford Bronco, both operated by Tampa residents. The Tundra driver sustained serious injuries and was transported, while the Silverado driver had minor injuries and was also transported.
The remaining three occupants were not injured.
Original Story
All lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge reopened at 1:19 p.m. Thursday after a multi-vehicle crash shut down southbound traffic and snarled commutes across Tampa Bay.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which closed all southbound lanes of the I‑275 span near mile marker 38 around late morning. Tampa Police assisted with road closures while troopers worked the scene, and FDOT cameras showed at least one pickup truck on its roof and another vehicle with heavy front-end damage.
No details on injuries or the exact number of vehicles involved were immediately released. Authorities told drivers to expect delays and use alternate routes while the bridge was closed.
Traffic had been at a standstill during the shutdown before lanes began reopening shortly after 1 p.m. Residual congestion was expected as traffic cleared and investigators finished on‑scene work.
The Howard Frankland Bridge is a critical link between Tampa and St. Petersburg, and midday closures often ripple through the region’s commute and freight routes.
This is a developing story. Updates will be added as FHP releases them.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.