Semitruck overturns into river in East County

Traffic heading southbound on Interstate 75 was experiencing delays this morning, after a beer truck overturned off I-75 into the Manatee River at the Ellenton outlet mall exit.

The Florida Highway Patrol reports the incident occurred just before 5 a.m. today.

An FHP report states the driver of the tractor trailer, 40-year-old Kevin Dennison, lost control of the vehicle and struck the inside concrete bridge retaining wall. The vehicle traveled over the wall and fell into the river. 

The truck was not loaded at the time of the accident, and the retaining wall has minor damage.

Dennison was taken to Blake Medical Center in serious condition.

As of 9:10 a.m. today, the Florida Highway Patrol reported all lanes of I-75 were open. 

FDOT Communications Specialist Robin Stublen said contractor ICA will begin repairs to a 300-foot section of the barrier wall around 9 p.m. tonight. The northbound left lane of I-75 will be closed for repairs.

He did not know how long repairs would take, but said the bridge itself appears to be in good condition.

"The only damage that could be determined was that barrier wall," he said.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].