Related videos:
A tragedy shook the city of Tampa, Florida, in the early hours of this Saturday, when a car that was allegedly participating in street races lost control and crashed into a crowd in front of a nightclub in the popular neighborhood of Ybor City.
The accident left four people dead and 13 injured, according to local authorities, reported the local press.
The Tampa Police Department detailed that the incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. on 7th Avenue, outside the well-known bar Bradley’s on 7th.
Although the venue is a gathering place for the LGTBIQ+ community, the police clarified that the incident was not a targeted attack.
Three of the victims died at the scene, and a fourth passed away in a nearby hospital. Nine other people were taken to medical centers, two of them in critical condition.
Two more sustained minor injuries and declined hospital treatment, according to the police report.
“The events that occurred this morning were a senseless tragedy. Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those affected,” stated Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
"Reckless driving endangered innocent lives. We are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families," he stated.
The authorities identified the driver as Silas Sampson, 22 years old, who was arrested at the scene.
According to the report, around 12:40 a.m., the Tampa Police Air Service detected a vehicle that Sampson was driving at high speed on the I-275 highway.
Minutes later, the car was seen participating in illegal races on Hillsborough Avenue, near 22nd Street.
The Florida Highway Patrol tried to stop him, but the driver continued to accelerate towards Nebraska Avenue and then 7th Avenue, where he lost control and crashed into a business, hitting a group of people on the sidewalk.
The owner of the establishment, Bradley Nelson, confirmed in a statement that the vehicle first struck three people who were on the sidewalk and then crashed into the terrace of the venue.
"This event has been very traumatic for all my staff and for me. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives and with all the injured," expressed Nelson.
The area of Ybor City, known for its nightlife and cultural blend, remained cordoned off for several hours while forensic and emergency teams worked at the scene.
Filed under: