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Two killed in Veterans Expressway crash; other driver charged with DUI manslaughter

 
Two people died after troopers say a drunk driver hit their 2001 Pontiac, pushing it into a concrete barrier early Saturday morning. It then caught fire. (Florida Highway Patrol)
Two people died after troopers say a drunk driver hit their 2001 Pontiac, pushing it into a concrete barrier early Saturday morning. It then caught fire. (Florida Highway Patrol)
Published Oct. 22, 2016

TAMPA — Two people were killed on the Veterans Expressway early Saturday after a drunk driver hit their car and slammed it into a concrete barrier, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

One of the drivers, Jesus Emanuel Lanzo, 33, of Tampa, died at the scene, authorities said. The second victim had not been identified Saturday night, pending notification of family.

The driver of the other car, Anwar Daoud Askar of Tampa, faces charges of driving under the influence-manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

Askar was speeding in his 2014 Mercedes-Benz north in the outside lane of State Road 589 at 2:20 a.m. when he overtook a 2001 Pontiac, according to the patrol.

Askar's car hit the rear of the Pontiac, pushing it onto the outside shoulder, where it hit a traffic barrier, the patrol said. The Pontiac landed on the exit ramp to Independence Parkway and was consumed by flames, and its occupants died at the scene.

Askar's car shot across the highway to the inside shoulder and hit a concrete barrier.

Askar was taken to Tampa General Hospital for treatment.