Photo Credit: Florida Highway Patrol

 

Vehicle Fire Shuts Down Shoulder on Howard Frankland Bridge, No Injuries Reported

By Ciara Perez | iSkyNews.com

News Brief Summary

• Vehicle fire reported on northbound I-275.

• Incident occurred near the Hillsborough-Pinellas county line on the Howard Frankland Bridge.

• Thick black smoke was visible for miles.

• No injuries were reported.

• Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene.

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TAMPA BAY, Fla. — A vehicle became fully engulfed in flames Tuesday afternoon on the northbound lanes of Interstate 275 along the Howard Frankland Bridge, creating a dramatic scene visible across Tampa Bay.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the fire occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. on June 16, 2026, near the county line on the northbound side of the bridge.

Photos from the scene show flames consuming the vehicle while a massive plume of thick black smoke billowed into the sky. The smoke could be seen from a considerable distance and temporarily drew the attention of motorists traveling through the area.

Emergency responders quickly arrived on scene and worked to secure the area. Despite the intensity of the fire, no injuries were reported, according to FHP.

Traffic continued to move through the area, although drivers experienced delays as emergency crews managed the incident and worked to extinguish the blaze.

The cause of the vehicle fire has not been released.

Motorists traveling through the Tampa Bay area are reminded to move over for emergency vehicles and remain alert when approaching incident scenes on major roadways.

Source: Florida Highway Patrol sent directly to iSkyNews.com

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