1 dead in crash at Tampa intersection with traffic lights out after Hurricane Milton

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Tampa police are warning drivers to be extra careful after a woman died in a crash Thursday night at an intersection that was without traffic lights due to Hurricane Milton.

Officials with the Tampa Police Department said officers responded to the intersection of Florida Ave. and Palm Ave. around 10:15 p.m. after getting reports of the crash.

When the officers arrived they said they found a 2005 Nissan Sentra had collided with a 2022 Hyundai Tucson, hitting the passenger side of the Hyundai.

Police said the 55-year-old woman who was a passenger in the Hyundai died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 35-year-old driver of the Hyundai also sustained serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officers said he is expected to survive. The 58-year-old driver of the Nissan was not injured in the crash.

Officers noted that the widespread power outages due to Hurricane Milton led to the area of the crash being dark, with traffic lights in the intersection not working. Tampa PD Chief Lee Bercaw said his department was deeply saddened by the death and that he hopes drivers understand they have to be safe in the hurricane-ravaged area.

“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of traveling safely, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. All drivers are urged to be extra cautious, especially at intersections, and to treat non-functioning traffic signals as four-way stops,” Bercaw said in a release. “Let’s work together to prevent such tragedies in the future.”

Department officials also wanted to remind drivers that with different power outages in the area, they need to remember to be extra safe at intersections. Police also shared a reminder of what drivers should do on the road when traffic signals are not properly functioning.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

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