Three people died in an early morning crash on I-275 in Palmetto

PALMETTO, Fla. (WWSB) – Three people are dead following a traffic crash on I-275 in Palmetto near the 1 mile marker.

The incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. Wednesday morning as the pickup truck was traveling south.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, the truck veered off the road onto the median and struck a utility pole, which burst into flames.

“When you arrive on the scene and realize that these people were unable to escape the vehicle after it caught fire, it’s heartbreaking,” said FHP Senior Trooper Kenneth Watson. “We are working to identify these victims as quickly and efficiently as possible and then notify their families.”

After the accident, traffic was blocked for many hours.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. If you have any information about the accident or anyone who may have been in the vehicle, contact FHP.