PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — All northbound lanes on I-275 on the Howard Frankland Bridge were closed early Sunday morning after a deadly three-vehicle crash, according to an update from the Florida Highway Patrol.
Authorities said the crash happened around 2:45 a.m. when a Ford sedan, driven by 29-year-old Alexander John Hoffman, going fast northbound on I-275 collided with the rear of a Chevrolet SUV.
The Chevrolet rotated and collided with the outside barrier wall before "erupting in flames," FHP detailed.
Authorities said after Hoffman hit the Chevrolet, he rotated across the lanes and then collided with a Ford SUV. Hoffman's car came to final rest along with the outside shoulder while the Ford SUV was driven to a controlled stop.
FHP said the passenger in the Chevrolet SUV died at the scene of the crash.
Hoffman was arrested by FHP Troopers for DUI, DUI property damage, DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
FHP said All lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge were reopened at 8:45 a.m.