Interstate 75 in Sarasota reopens after 18 wheeler overturns, spills oxygen tanks into road
Interstate 75 southbound closed temporarily in southern Sarasota County after a semitrailer overturned and spilled oxygen tanks into the road, Florida Highway Patrol said Thursday morning.
The truck was carrying oxygen and propane tanks, and the truck’s fuel tanks were damaged in the crash, FHP said.
Since the crash, all lanes of I-75 have been reopened, but there is still heavy congestion that could impact drivers traveling south, Senior Trooper Kenneth Watson told the Bradenton Herald.
“There is still congestion. Traffic isn’t exactly fine on I-75, but it’s not from the tractor-trailer that rolled over this morning,” he said.
Traffic had been diverted off the interstate at Jacaranda Boulevard, mile marker 193, and back onto the interstate at River Road, exit 191.
Northbound traffic was not affected by the crash.
FHP said in its incident report that a 37-year-old man from Punta Gorda was driving the tractor trailer in the right lane near mile marker 191 when he lost control, went off the road onto the right shoulder, and the truck turned onto its right side when he tried to bring it back into the lane.
The truck slid across the road, peeling the top of the trailer up and sending oxygen tanks into the road.
The truck stopped on its side in the left lane and shoulder.
The driver had minor injuries.
“Please keep in mind ongoing roadway complications on other local roadways as well, from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian,” FHP said.
This story was originally published October 13, 2022 at 9:26 AM.
