A Good Samaritan helped a driver from his burning vehicle this morning after the pickup truck went off the Veterans Expressway and crashed into a tree, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Brett Hawkins, 21, of Spring Hill was driving his 2009 Dodge just north of Gunn Highway when he veered off the roadway onto the shoulder, striking a streetlight and then slamming into a large oak tree.
The truck then caught fire about 8:30 a.m., troopers said. He was trapped in the vehicle, but another motorist helped him get out of the burning pickup.
Hawkins was taken by helicopter to Tampa General Hospital, where he is in critical condition.
Troopers are still investigating the crash's cause.
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