Minor Injuries After Semi Drops Concrete Slabs

A 33-year-old Tampa man faces a traffic citation after the semi he was driving dropped a load of concrete slabs onto Hillsborough Avenue near Orient Road.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Maikel Cruz was heading east on Hillsborough Avenue just west of Orient Road around 8 a.m. Monday when he encountered a disabled vehicle blocking a lane. Cruz attempted to slow and change lanes to avoid hitting the Buick driven by Cynthia Relfaire, 57, of Seffner. He was unable to do so.

Troopers say Cruz’s evasive actions caused the load of concrete slabs his trailer was carrying to shift and dislodge. Two of the four slabs ended up hitting Telfaire’s car, propelling the vehicle into the inside lane.

Cruz was uninjured in the accident. Telfaire suffered minor injuries and was taken to Tampa General Hospital for treatment, a highway patrol media release said.

Cruz was ticketed for failing to secure the load on his trailer properly.

Photos courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol