Man Jumps from Howard Frankland Bridge to Avoid Crash
Posted: December 23, 2015
One man was seriously injured and other jumped into the water after a crash on the Howard Frankland Bridge last night about 10 PM.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Ford F350 driven by 34 year-old Leonard Hicks of Zephyhills was towing a trailer in the northbound lanes of I-275 on the bridge. Â The trailer separated and caused the Ford to become disabled in the inside lane. Â The driver and two passengers got out of the vehicle in an attempt to reattach the trailer.
A Kissimmee man, 24 year-old David Rivera, was traveling in a 2004 Toyota Corolla also in the left lane. His vehicle collided with the rear of the trailer causing serious injuries after he was unable to see the trailer in the roadway.  He was transported in serious condition to Tampa General.
In an attempt to avoid being struck by the Toyota, 41 year-old Ismel Hernandez of Land O Lakes jumped off the bridge into the water. Â First responders were able to throw him a rescue rope until a boat could retrieve him from the water.
The driver of the Ford and his two passenger only experienced  minor injuries and were transported to Tampa General.
Hicks was issued a citation for having an improper/unsecure load.