News Channel 8 reporter Jackie Barron and photojournalist Jim Hockett were involved in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon as they returned from an assignment in Venice.
The two were taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for observation. Barron suffered some scrapes on her hand, and Hockett was shaken, said News Channel 8 news director Don North.
"Both of them are in pretty good shape," North said.
The two had finished an assignment in Venice and were headed to a vehicle rollover about 3:30 p.m., said Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Kenn Watson.
As they headed north in the center lane of Interstate 75 in Sarasota the rear left tire on the News Channel 8 van blew, Watson said. Hockett, who was driving, began to lose control because the van is top heavy with equipment, Watson said.
The van rotated clockwise and overturned. It came to a final stop in the outside lane, Watson said.
The van sustained heavy damage to its driver's side. Paperwork, editing machine, monitors and archive videos were scattered throughout the side of the interstate.
Barron was able to get out of the van, but Hockett was trapped inside. Rescue crews assisted in getting him out, North said.
"It took awhile to get Jim out of the vehicle," North said.
Barron and Hockett were transferred to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Watson said.
Barron is an award-winning reporter who covers Sarasota and Manatee counties. Barron and Hockett have worked as a team for more than a decade, North said.
"I'm just glad they are OK," North said.
Damage to the truck was estimated at $125,000 to $150,000, according to Mark Schaefer, News Channel 8 chief engineer.
jpatino@tampatrib.com
(813) 259-7659
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