Truck Lands in Alafia River

All lanes of Interstate 75 have opened again in the Gibsonton Drive area after an accident ended with a box truck in the Alafia River.

According to Sgt. Steve Gaskins, the box truck, driven by Timothy Rowley, 48, of Apopka, was traveling north in the outside center lane around 1 p.m. Wednesday when the accident happened. At the same time, a four-door Toyota, driven by Elisabeth Ela, 31, of Brandon was headed north in the outside lane.

The wet roadway conditions caused one or both drivers to lose control, a highway patrol report stated. The right rear of the truck hit the front of the Toyota the report said.

“The truck continued, overturned and traveled off the bridge and into the Alafia River,” it added.

The driver was able to get out of the vehicle and make his way to bridge pilings, Gaskins noted. Hillsborough County marine units were able to get him out of the water after that.

Two outside northbound lanes of the interstate were closed for a few hours following the crash.

Troopers say both drivers suffered minor injuries.

No charges are anticipated in the crash.

Photos courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol