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Tanker Truck Driver Dies Of Injuries

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By MICHAEL SCARCELLA

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: June 7, 2008

MANATEE COUNTY - Raymond A. Neumann, the tanker truck driver critically injured when his rig plunged from a bridge and exploded on U.S. 301, died this afternoon at Tampa General Hospital, a family member said.

Neumann, 54, was driving south on Interstate 75 on Wednesday when he swerved to avoid a pickup truck that authorities say spun out after merging onto the highway from U.S. 301. Neumann's truck, carrying 8,000 gallons of fuel, struck the vehicle before plunging over a bridge and exploding in a fireball that damaged the bridge.

The driver of the pickup truck, Fernando Aguilera, 29, of Bradenton is not facing criminal charges, authorities said. Aguilera, who said he lost control on the wet road, was cited for careless driving. An electrician, Aguilera was driving home from work.

Construction crews are working to rebuild the section of the bridge that was damaged in the crash and fire.

Southbound traffic on Interstate 75 is expected to be diverted Monday onto the northbound lanes of the highway.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers are urging motorists to pay attention to the road changes and to not drive above the posted 45 mph speed limit in the construction zone.

Zep Construction of Fort Myers was the lowest bidder for the reconstruction of the damaged bridge, and the state Saturday awarded a six-week contract for $1.7 million, a Florida Department of Transportation spokeswoman said.

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