Two workers hospitalized in overnight Skyway accident

ST. PETERSBURG -- Two construction workers were hospitalized early Thursday after troopers said they were injured by a drunken driver about midnight near the Sunshine Skyway bridge.

The workers were reportedly installing reflectors near an off ramp leading to a rest area just off the bridge in the northbound lanes of Interstate 275, Pinellas County emergency officials said.

They had been working in an outside emergency lane when a gray Saturn SUV crashed into the area at 12:05 a.m. The SUV crashed into a hot tar machine, and the ensuing impact sent the machine into Daniel J. Hollingsworth, 26, and Donald Howell, 18, both of Holiday. Scalding tar was spilled onto both men, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release.

A third worker, Michael T. Lawrence, 20, New Port Richey, was also hurt by the tar. Troopers described his injuries as minor.

Hollingsworth was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he is listed in good condition. Howell was taken to Bayfront Medical Center and released later in the day.

Jail records show the driver of the SUV, Paul Roembke, 35, of Ellenton, was charged with two counts of felony driving under the influence resulting in serious bodily injury.

Records show he has a clean driving record. His attorney, Charlie Britt, wouldn't comment on whether he was drinking, but said that he takes responsibility for the crash.

"My client does realize that it's horrible and truly is upset," Britt said.

 

-- Casey Cora, Times staff writer