West manatee Fire Rescue responded to an accident involving a semi shut down the Cortez Bridge Tuesday morning (June 29th).
According to reports, the driver of the truck, who was headed for the Publix on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, lost control and crossed into the oncoming traffic.
Officials said the truck, which was driven by 32-year-old George Gonzales, collided with a small car and nearly crushed it. The impact with the car kept the truck from falling over the side of the bridge, officials said.
Gonzales told paramedics that he wasn't sure what happened. He said he wasn't using his phone, and he doesn't think he fell asleep.
The driver of the car, 43-year-old Brady Quick, suffered injuries to his shoulder and chest. He was not taken to a nearby hospital.
The bridge was closed for several hours during the FHP investigation. It was reopened shortly before 5 p.m.
