I-75 South Reopens After Tanker Truck Fire

Bay area residents heading south on Interstate 75 Wednesday morning in the Sun City Center area found themselves having to take a detour following a tanker truck fire.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the fire forced the closing of all southbound lanes. Traffic was diverted off the interstate at the Big Bend Road exit. The fire was extinguished by 9:13 a.m., but the blockage remained for several hours.

FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said the roadway reopened around 1:30 p.m.

Motorists stuck in the resulting traffic jam were being directed off the interstate by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Patch reader Andrea Trout said.

“I have to say Hillsborough County Sheriff was awesome at routing traffic,” Trout said. “Terrible commute I hope everyone safe.”

Details about the accident are not yet available.

Stay with Patch for updates as they become available.

Photo 1 courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol, Photos 2 and 3 courtesy of Patch Reader Andrea Trout.