Tractor-trailer crash spills fuel, closes I-275 North in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG — All northbound lanes of Interstate 275 near downtown St. Petersburg were closed Monday night after a tractor-trailer collided with the median wall, spilling 100 gallons of diesel fuel onto the highway.

Samuel Joseph Hendry, 55, of Myakka City was driving the truck about 8:20 p.m. when he lost control in the rain, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The truck left the road and crashed into the concrete barrier wall. It then jackknifed and came to rest blocking all northbound lanes near milepost 23, close to the Interstate 375 turn.

Hendry had minor injuries, according to the FHP. He was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.

Troopers ask motorists to avoid northbound I-275 for a few hours.