ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Two people were killed in an early morning, alcohol related crash on I-275 in St. Petersburg, Florida Highway Patrol says.
FHP says a 2012 Hyundai Genesis was being driven by a 28-year-old man when it was pulled over by a St. Pete Police Officer at the entrance ramp to northbound I-275 around 1:30 a.m.
While the officer was standing by the window, the car sped away toward the interstate. The officer did not follow the vehicle.
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Despite not being followed, troopers say the driver continued speeding and lost control on a curve. The vehicle entreated a median, hit a tree and flipped multiple times, troopers say.
The 33-year-old passenger was ejected and the car caught fire. Both the passenger and the driver were killed, according to a press release. Troopers say neither man was wearing a seatbelt.
Their identities have not been released, pending next-of-kin notification.
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FHP is investigating and says the crash is alcohol related. The northbound lanes of the interstate were closed at 22nd Avenue North until 6:15 a.m.
No other information has been released at this time.
