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Westbound Expressway Reopen After Wreck Is Cleared

News Channel 8 photo by MICHAEL EGGER

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper investigates the wreck that closed down the westbound lanes of the Selmon Crosstown Expressway for a couple of hours.

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TBO.com

Published: May 21, 2008

Updated: 05/21/2008 08:02 pm

TAMPA - A chain-reaction crash shut down the lower deck of the Selmon Crosstown Expressway's westbound lanes for more than two hours during rush hour today.

A semitrailer was stalled on the north shoulder of the expressway near the 22nd Street exit shortly before 5 p.m. when another vehicle stopped alongside, said Sue Charzan, spokeswoman for the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority.

Other cars behind the vehicle then tried to stop, causing a series of fender benders, Charzan said. During the collisions, the stalled truck jackknifed and blocked both westbound lanes.

The vehicle that stopped alongside the stalled truck then drove away, she said.

The Florida Highway Patrol diverted traffic by allowing vehicles to exit on local roads via westbound expressway ramps.

No serious injuries were reported at the scene, which was cleared by 7 p.m.

The driver who left the scene may be charged if investigators determine that he or she caused the crashes, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

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