Driver Crashes into Bar in Ybor City, Four Dead
YBOR CITY, Fla. — A driver lost control and crashed into a busy sidewalk outside a bar in Ybor City early Saturday morning, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries.
At approximately 12:40 a.m., Silas Sampson, 22, was reportedly driving recklessly on I-275 when he exited the interstate. Tampa Police attempted a pit maneuver to stop him, but he continued eastbound on 7th Avenue, eventually crashing into a business and injuring more than a dozen people.
Witnesses reported that a mother and daughter were stopped at a red light when their vehicle was clipped before the crash. They suffered neck and back pain and were treated at a nearby hospital.
Tiffany Jensen, who visited the scene to pay her respects, said she had been in the area shortly before the incident. “That could have been me,” she remarked, reflecting on the tragedy.
Alan Clendenin, Chair of the Tampa City Council, stated that the council is open to safety improvement suggestions, emphasizing that the incident was due to illegal driving actions. “Everything is always on the table,” he said regarding safety measures in Ybor City.
Tampa Police are conducting an investigation into the crash, while the identities of the deceased have yet to be released. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, and roadways were closed for an ongoing investigation.