Released by the Florida Highway Patrol …
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has reported that a commercial dump truck that was traveling west on I-10 in the right lane approaching the Blackwater River Bridge around noon today in Santa Rosa County ended up in the river.
FHP reports that their preliminary investigation and evidence discovered in the westbound lanes indicates the vehicle’s front left tire failed and came apart, causing the vehicle to veer lest and traveled in a southwesterly direction into the center grass median. It then continued in a southwesterly direction before colliding with a steel guard rail that was positioned between the Blackwater River Bridge’s east and westbound structures. The vehicle then became airborne and landed on it’s right side in the water after falling approximately 55 feet.
The FHP reports the driver of the dump truck was removed from the vehicle by Florida Highway Patrol Troopers.
The 42-year-old driver was transported by boat to the west side of the Blackwater River and taken by ground to the Pensacola Sacred Heart Hospital with serious injuries.