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St. Petersburg, FL (September 12, 2026) – Florida Highway Patrol reported that two St. Petersburg men were hospitalized after a multi-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 275 on Thursday morning, September 10, around 11:10 a.m.
The collision occurred near the point where the Veterans Expressway merges with SR-589/SR-60. A 42-year-old St. Petersburg man lost control of his pickup, which entered the shoulder and struck a crash attenuator on a barrier before rotating back toward traffic.
The pickup then entered the path of two other pickup trucks and a van traveling southbound. A Chevrolet Silverado struck the 42-year-old man’s truck, causing it to overturn, while construction debris hit the van and another pickup. The 42-year-old driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital.
The 71-year-old St. Petersburg man driving the Silverado also went to a hospital with minor injuries. Two 30-year-old Tampa men traveling in the van were not injured. A 31-year-old Tampa woman driving the other pickup also escaped injury. The crash forced the closure of all southbound lanes.
One lane reopened to traffic around 12:25 p.m., and all lanes were reopened by about 1:15 p.m. The incident remains under review by deputies.
Our thoughts are with the two men as they recover from their injuries.
How Can a Multi-Vehicle Crash Affect Interstate Traffic?
A multi-vehicle crash can quickly restrict traffic when several vehicles become involved across active travel lanes. Damage to vehicles, scattered debris, and the need for emergency access can require multiple lanes to remain closed while crews work at the scene.
Crash attenuators and roadside barriers are designed to reduce the severity of impacts with fixed objects. When a vehicle strikes one, the vehicle may change direction or rotate, potentially creating additional hazards for nearby traffic.
Construction materials and other debris can also create risks after a collision. Items that fall onto the roadway may strike other vehicles or force drivers to slow or change lanes. Clearing debris and damaged vehicles is necessary before all lanes can safely reopen.
