Driver dies after car crashes into semi trailer on U.S. 301 in Tampa, troopers say

TAMPA — A 31-year-old Tampa woman was killed on Friday when her car crashed into a semitrailer truck on U.S. 301 and was dragged some 200 feet, troopers said.

The woman was driving south on U.S. 301 about 9:15 p.m. when a semi trailer turn left into her path at the intersection of Massaro Boulevard, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The woman’s car struck the trailer of a semitrailer truck heading north on 301 and became lodged in the underride guard, a metal bar on the back of the trailer.

The truck dragged the car some 200 feet before stopping. The woman was taken to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.

A 6-year-old boy riding in the car was treated for minor injuries.

The driver of the semi truck, a 65-year-old North Port man, was not injured.

An investigation was underway to determine whether the semi driver will be cited or charged, said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, a spokesman for the Highway Patrol.

The agency no longer includes in its news releases the names of people involved in crashes due to the agency’s interpretation of Marsy’s Law, an amendment to Florida’s constitution that’s mean to protect crime victims but that deprives the public of information that was previously released under Florida’s public records laws.

Correction: This story has been updated to note the semitrailer turned into the car’s path.