Car catches fire on Interstate 75

SUN CITY CENTER — A car caught fire about 8:15 this morning on southbound Interstate 75 after it ran over a backpack near Sun City Center, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The fire has been put out, and the driver, 34-year-old Diana Gonzalez, of Riverview, was not injured, said FHP spokesman Larry Kraus.

Kraus said the situation is not uncommon. If something gets lodged underneath a car and begins to heat up, it could easily spark a fire. Any material could pose a danger.

Gonzalez's black 2008 Nissan Altima was destroyed.

The two right lanes of I-75 that were blocked this morning are now open, Kraus said.