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Tanker Fire Shuts Down I-75 Near Ellenton

Photo from ALAN HENSLEY

Motorist Alan Hensley submitted this photo of rescuers at the scene of Wednesday's tanker explosion.

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TBO.com

Published: June 4, 2008

Updated: 06/04/2008 05:45 pm

A tanker driver has been flown to Tampa General Hospital with serious burns and traffic is shut down in both directions on Interstate 75 and U.S. 301 in Manatee County, officials say.

The truck overturned exploded under the U.S. 301 bridge overpass.

The Florida Highway Patrol says a three-car collision caused the fuel tanker to go over the side.

There were heavy rains in the area before the crash and it appears one of the cars lost control and spun out, causing the initial crash, said Capt. Larry Leinhauser of Manatee County Emergency Operations.

The driver of the tanker truck has been flown to Tampa General Burn Unit with severe burns, according to the Manatee County Public Safety Department.

The structure of the bridge at the exit near the Ellenton Outlet Mall has been weakened, officials say.

The structural integrity of the southbound bridge is "compromised for sure," Leinhauser said. "We're not sure about the northbound bridge."

Traffic is being rerouted at Exit 229/Parrish.

The tanker likely had gas or diesel fuel in it, Leinhauser said.

The other drivers were not hurt.

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