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Injuries and Dramatic Rescue on Dick Misener Bridge

Emergency responders at the Dick Misener Bridge accident scene.

News Summary

A dramatic crash on the Dick Misener Bridge in St. Petersburg, Florida, led to injuries and a heroic rescue. A box truck collided with a Volkswagen SUV, resulting in minor injuries and a brief fire. Separately, a Tesla driver lost control, plummeting into the Gulf, but was rescued by a nearby boat owner. The Tesla driver is in critical condition. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating both incidents, urging caution in high-traffic areas.

St. Petersburg, Florida – A crash on the Dick Misener Bridge led to injuries and a dramatic rescue at around 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported that a collision occurred when a box truck struck a Volkswagen SUV as both vehicles approached a toll plaza, resulting in a fire and injuries to those involved. Fortunately, all southbound lanes have since reopened after temporary closures to facilitate the investigation and cleanup.

According to initial reports, the box truck was driving in the inside lane of I-275, trailing the Volkswagen when traffic came to a standstill. The Volkswagen was able to stop in time but the box truck could not, leading to a rear-end collision. While minor injuries were sustained by individuals involved in the crash, no one required transportation to a hospital.

In a separate incident, a Tesla driver lost control of their vehicle on the Dick Misener Bridge, resulting in the car plummeting into the Gulf. Eyewitness Eric Astemborski observed the crash as he was working on his boat nearby. He described the Tesla flipping after it struck a drainage pond before landing in the mangroves.

Astemborski quickly came to the scene and discovered the Tesla driver injured and bleeding. He assisted the driver into his boat and transported him to an area where Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were waiting near the bridge. Following the rescue, Astemborski expressed gratitude that he was able to help, reflecting on the emotional impact of the event.

The driver of the Tesla was the only occupant of the vehicle and has since been taken to Orlando Health Bayfront St. Petersburg, where they remain in critical condition. Authorities suspect that speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash.

Eyewitness accounts confirm that the series of accidents on the bridge were chaotic, highlighting the dangers that can accompany heavy traffic and high-speed driving. The FHP is currently investigating both incidents. Details regarding the incident involving the box truck and the SUV are being reviewed to determine the full extent of damages and liabilities.

While no substantial property damage has been reported in connection with the box truck and SUV crash, the fire ignited by the collision raised concerns among nearby residents and travelers. The fire’s cause and its impact on surrounding infrastructure are also under investigation.

As authorities continue to gather information, they are urging drivers to exercise caution when approaching high-traffic areas, particularly those involving toll plazas and other transitional zones on major roads like I-275. The incidents on the Dick Misener Bridge serve as a reminder of the potential hazards that can arise in busy traffic conditions.

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STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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