On February 26, 2023, at 2:45 AM, Vehicle 1, a Ford sedan, was traveling northbound on I-275 near Milepost 36.
Vehicles 2 and 3, a Chevrolet SUV and a Ford SUV respectively, were traveling northbound ahead of Vehicle 1. Traveling at a high rate of speed,
Vehicle 1 overtook and collided with the rear of Vehicle 2. Post-impact, Vehicle 2 rotated to and collided with the outside barrier wall before erupting in flames.
After impacting Vehicle 2, Vehicle 1 rotated across the travel lanes and collided with Vehicle 3.
Following that collision, Vehicle 1 rotated to final rest along the outside shoulder while Vehicle 3 was driven to a controlled stop.
A passenger traveling in Vehicle 2 suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.
Driver 1, Alexander John Fatal Hillsborough – Howard Frankland Bridge, aged 29 of Land O Lakes, was later arrested by FHP Troopers for DUI, DUI Property Damage, DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide.
All lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge were reopened at 8:45 AM.
Driver 2 – Male, 33 of Tampa, Minor injury
Passenger in Vehicle 2 – Male 41, of Tampa, Fatal Injury
Driver 3 – Male, 46 of Tampa, No injury
Passenger in Vehicle 3 – Female, 45 of Tampa