Major crash on I-75 in Pasco

PASCO COUNTY An early morning collision between a tractor trailer carrying USPS mail and a dump truck on I-75 in Pasco County will affect southbound traffic the rest of the day Thursday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Both drivers were able to get out of their trucks before the vehicles became fully engulfed in flames.

Mark Alan Berrier, 55, of Macclenny, and Manuel Francisco Rodriguez Rivera, 42, of Land O Lakes were both taken to UCH-Fletcher and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, respectively for observation.

Traffic traveling south on the interstate will be directed on to S.R. 54 at exit 279 until about 6 p.m., because the asphalt on the road needs to be replaced. Drivers south of the exit and north of the crash will be re-directed on to S.R. 56, as well. The FHP advised drivers to use alternate routes for southbound travel, including U.S. 41 and 301.