Driver killed in wrong-way I-75 crash in Pasco

A 25-year-old woman has become the latest victim to die in a wrong-way crash on an interstate highway in the Tampa Bay area.

Troopers investigate the fatal wrong-way crash on southbound Interstate 75 in Pasco County. FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

The woman, who has not been identified, was driving north in the southbound lanes of I-75 near Dade City early Monday when her 2012 Nissan hit a tractor-trailer, investigators said.

It was the fifth fatal crash — claiming 11 lives — on Tampa-area interstates since February. On Sunday, a man did not crash and escaped injury, however he was arrested after authorities said he was driving the wrong way on I-75 at the Selmon Expressway.

Monday’s crash occurred about 4:35 a.m. with the Nissan heading north in the southbound inside lane, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The driver of the southbound truck observed the Nissan and attempted to avoid a collision by moving to the outside lane, troopers said. However, the wrong-way vehicle collided with the left side of the rig, troopers said.

The truck came to a controlled stop. The Nissan traveled to the median and onto the concrete barrier wall.

The woman was airlifted to Bayonet Point Hospital in Hudson but died at 6:13 a.m., the highway patrol said.

The truck driver, Slawomir Plonski, 42, of Port St. Lucie, was not injured, the highway patrol said. He was hauling food and beverage products.

The crash blocked southbound I-7 for several hours after the crash. All lanes were reopened as of 9:20 a.m., the highway patrol said.

Stay with TBO.com for updates.