Available 
Available 
Tampa, FL (September 12, 2026) – According to official reports, a four-vehicle crash shut down all southbound lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge on Thursday morning, September 10, causing major traffic delays toward St. Petersburg. The collision occurred on Interstate 275 as drivers traveled from Tampa toward Pinellas County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Toyota Tundra lost control around 11:10 a.m., went onto the shoulder, and struck a barrier. The pickup then bounced back into the travel lanes and hit three other vehicles. The 42-year-old Tampa man driving the Tundra suffered serious injuries. Another driver sustained minor injuries, and both injured drivers were taken to a hospital for treatment.
The closure caused traffic to back up across the Tampa Bay corridor before the southbound lanes reopened around 1:15 p.m. Drivers heading toward St. Petersburg faced significant delays while crews cleared the scene.
Our thoughts are with those injured as they continue to recover.
What Can Cause Multi-Vehicle Crashes on Major Bridge Crossings?
Multi-vehicle crashes on major bridges can develop quickly when one vehicle loses control and enters active traffic lanes. A vehicle striking a barrier may return to the roadway, creating a hazard for drivers traveling nearby.
Traffic volume can make these incidents more difficult to avoid, particularly when vehicles are traveling close together. Drivers may have limited time to react when another vehicle suddenly changes direction or enters their lane.
Bridge crashes can also lead to lengthy lane closures while damaged vehicles and debris are removed. Emergency crews may need access to multiple lanes to treat injured people and make the roadway safe before traffic can resume normally.
