Tanker fire closes I-75 in Ellenton near outlet mall

 A tanker truck overturned and exploded about 4 p.m. today on Interstate 75 near U.S. 301. in Ellenton, shutting down the highway in both directions. Authorities advise everyone to avoid the area.

Late Wednesday, traffic officials released new detour information for the area. As of 11 p.m., drivers heading southbound on I-75 will exit at U.S. 301 west into Palmetto. From there, they will head south on U.S. 41, head east on State Road 64 back to I-75.

Northbound travelers will exit at State Road 64, head west to U.S. 41 north, pass through Palmetto until Hwy. 41 meets Interstate 275.

Officials said the detour will take more than an hour, where the normal route takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

The I-75 bridge where the explosion occurred, near Ellenton Prime Outlets, is structurally compromised, Manatee County officials say.

The driver of the tanker truck was flown to  Tampa General Hospital with severe burns, according to  the Manatee County Public Safety Department.

A plume of deep black smoke could be seen from downtown Bradenton, the Bradenton Herald reports.

Capt. Larry Leinhauser of the Manatee County Public Safety says a vehicle in front of the tanker lost control because of rain and when the tanker tried to avoid hitting it, lost control and fell off the bridge. He said investigators believe the truck was headed southbound on I-75.

"The truck was burned beyond recognition," Leinhauser said, adding the trucker suffered burns on 90 percent of his body. Two other drivers involved in the crash refused medical treatment, he said.

Northbound traffic on I-75 is being diverted at State Road 64, while southbound traffic can leave I-75 at Moccasin Wallow Road or Interstate 275, the Herald reports.

BayNews 9 has some video of the fire.

For updates on road closures or to check your personal route, go here. If you witnessed the crash, please call the St. Petersburg Times at (727) 892-2374.