Driver Loses Control of Vehicle on 62nd Avenue in St. Petersburg

Driver Loses Control of Vehicle on 62nd Avenue in St. Petersburg

Posted: January 29, 2015 – 7:10 PM

Multiple unit were dispatched to reports of a rollover crash at about 4:07PM on Thursday, January 29, 2015.  The crash occurred near the intersection of 62nd Avenue N and 29th Street in St. Petersburg.

Arriving crews of Lealman Special Fire Control District, Pinellas Park Fire Department, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, and Sunstar Paramedics found that all the occupants exited the heavily damaged vehicles.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), 53 year-old Michael Costello of Pinellas Park was driving eastbound on 62nd Avenue N on 29th Street North in a 2000 Jeep SUV.  Costello failed to maintain control and veered into the path of a 2006 Pontiac G6 being driven by 72 year-old Kathleen Rollins of St. Petersburg.

Rollins unsuccessfully attempted to avoid the collision.  Following the collision, the Jeep collided with a Duke Energy power pole and tree.  The damage to the pole collapsed several power lines and obstructed the roadway.  The roadway is not expected to reopen until 10 PM.

FHP reports that Costello was transported to Bayfront Heath St. Petersburg with injuries described as minor. Rollins was not injured in the crash.

Charges are listed as pending at this time as well as a determination if alcohol/drugs were involved.

Almost 2,300 customers experienced a loss of power due to the damage to the power lines.  As of 7:20PM, Duke Energy reports 163 customers still without power.  The report that full restoration of power is expected by 11 PM.

Images provided by FHP