Three people died after their car was hit by a drunk driver on the Howard Frankland Bridge, sending the vehicle over a barricade and into the water, according the Florida Highway Patrol.
- Car exited the roadway at milepost 33
- All 3 occupants of the truck were killed
- Joshua Burbank, 25, was arrested on DUI charges
Troopers say that about 9:45 p.m. Friday, two vehicles — a 2014 Honda Civic and a 2012 GMC Sierra — were traveling eastbound on the Howard Frankland Bridge near milepost 33. The driver of the Honda Civic failed to maintain control of the vehicle and clipped the rear right side of the GMC Sierra, causing the pickup truck to rotate and overturn several times, the FHP report stated.
The pickup truck then overturned over the southern concrete barrier of the bridge and fell into the water below.
Troopers say the car left the roadway and entered Tampa Bay in an area where the water is only about 2 feet deep. (Laurie Davison, staff)
According to troopers, the three occupants inside the truck were a father, 76, mother, 73, and son, 52, all from Leesburg. All three died from their injuries. Their identities have not been released pending next of kin notification.
The driver of the Honda Civic, identified as Joshua Burbank, 25, of Wesley Chapel was arrested at the scene. He faces several charges, including three counts of DUI manslaughter, one county DUI property damage and careless driving.
Officials shut down Interstate 275 northbound and diverted traffic off Roosevelt Boulevard while troopers investigated the scene. The Howard Frankland Bridge reopened at 2 a.m. Saturday.