PALMETTO, Fla. — A deadly crash involving a semi-truck happened early Friday morning in Palmetto near the intersection with Piney Point Road.
A 35-year-old Ruskin man driving a Land Rover was traveling south on U.S. 41 at high speed when he lost control, according to a news release from the Florida Highway Patrol.
He rear-ended a commercial motor vehicle parked on the side of the road loaded with bananas.
The driver of the car died in the crash, according to the North River Fire District. The driver of the semi-truck was not hurt.
The SUV and trailer "became engulfed in flames after the collision" according to FHP.
The road was closed for several hours but has since reopened.
FHP said the agency's Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the crash.