The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred on the northbound 22nd Avenue N exit ramp from I-275 in St. Petersburg.
First responders were dispatched to reports of a vehicle crash at approximately 6:20 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020. Arriving firefighters located three victims with possibly one occupant ejected from the vehicle.
Video from the Scene
Troopers report that 18 year-old Erinasha Jones of Largo was operating a 2003 Toyota Camry northbound on I-275 in the inside lane. Traveling in the northbound center lane was a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado.
Trooper say that Jones attempted to change lanes to access the 22nd Avenue North exit ramp and entered into the path of the Silverado.
As a result, the passenger side of the Camry collided with the driver side of the Silverado. The Camry began to rotate across the interstate and onto the shoulder of the exit ramp where it collided with two trees.
The driver of the Silverado was able to come to a controlled stop on the interstate.
Jones was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with serious injuries. Her teen passengers were transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where they died from their injuries. Paramedics administered CPR on both of the passengers at the scene.
The deceased teens were identified by FHP as 17 year-old Keeoshia Edwards and 16 year-old Jiana Minaya of Clearwater.
Neither the 38 year-old driver of the Silverado nor his 33 year-old male passenger were injured in the crash.
Troopers believe that alcohol played a role in this crash according to a press release. They also states that Jones was the only one in the Camry that utilized a seatbelt. Charges are listed as pending.
The crash closed the 22nd Avenue N exit ramp for many hours during the investigation.
