First responders responded to reports of a vehicle crash at approximately 7:35 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2019.
Upon arrival, firefighters worked to extinguish a fire that involved a road ranger vehicle.
The crash occurred on the Howard Frankland Bridge in the northbound lanes of I-275 heading toward Tampa near mile-marker 36.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 32 year-old Sarah Lam of Bradenton was operating a 2009 Cadillac SUV when she ran out gas and stopped on the outside shoulder of I-275.
Adam Lopez, age 29 of Tampa, working as a road ranger, stopped for assist Lam by slowing and entering the outside shoulder.
At the same time, a semi tractor trailer changed lanes into the path of a 2004 Chevy that was being operated by 40 year-old Alvaro Vizcarra of St. Petersburg. Vizcarra swerved into the outside shoulder and collided with the rear of the road ranger’s 2014 Chevy truck.
The crash caused the road ranger’s vehicle to catch fire.
The vehicle that fled the scene is only described as a tractor trailer. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the FHP by calling 813-558-1800.
Vizcarra remained on the scene with minor injuries but her 41 year-old male passenger was transported to Tampa General with serious injuries.
The road ranger, Lopez, was transported to Tampa General with what troopers are calling serious injuries. Lam was transported with minor injuries along with her passenger, 67 year-old Ngung Thi Nguyen of Bradenton, who was transported to Tampa General with serious injuries.
Troopers say charges are pending as the investigation continues.