Semi-truck removed after partially hanging off I-75 overpass

ELLENTON, Fla. (FOX 13) - A semi-truck became suspended halfway over the side of an overpass during the Friday morning commute, and luckily the driver escaped.

The accident occurred on the JD Young Bridge around 7:15 a.m. closing the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 in Manatee County. The bridge travels over Manatee River.

The 49-year-old truck driver from Sarasota was traveling northbound in the center lane approaching U.S. 301. He said a white vehicle changed lanes from the right and onto the center lane, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He attempted to avoid the vehicle, but the road was wet from earlier storms.

Troopers said the driver lost control of his semi-truck, and jack-knifed. The view from SkyFOX at the time showed the front of the truck peeking over the overpass for more than an hour. Traffic was backed up for miles and drivers were diverted to State Road 64.

A tow truck arrived on scene around 8:15 a.m. and carefully lifted the entire truck back onto the road within 30 minutes. FHP tells FOX 13 that the truck driver got out safely and has minor injuries. He was wearing a seatbelt.

The possibility of any charges are still under investigation.