MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. -- A semi-truck driver lost control of the rig and crashed, causing the cab to jump the side and dangle over the Manatee River Friday morning.
Northbound Interstate 75 before U.S. 301 has reopened, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP says 49-year-old Troy Betts of Sarasota was able to safely get out of the cab just after the crash around 7:20 a.m. He told troopers a driver in front of him changed lanes and tried to avoid him.
But because of the road's slick surface, Betts lost control and crashed into the bridge's siding.
At its worst, traffic appeared backed up for at least 7 miles to State Road 70. Drivers were advised to take U.S. 41 to get around the mess and over the Manatee River.
Sky10 showed a crew working to secure the semi-truck before any of it fell into the river. A towing vehicle arrived around 8:15 am. to try and move it from the edge, and it was lifted off about 20 minutes later.
The semi-truck appeared to have spilled a substance into the river.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.
Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
