I-75 south in Hernando reopens after fatal wreck

Southbound lanes of Interstate 75 in Hernando County are open following a fatal tractor-trailer wreck this morning that had blocked traffic for more than three hours, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers responded to a call at 4:50 a.m. and found a semitrailer and van involved in a crash. The tractor-trailer's driver, whose name was not immediately available, was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said.

The 2002 International tractor-trailer was southbound in the right lane and smashed into the back of a 1995 Dodge van that had slowed for traffic.

The van, driven by Aubrey R. Pinion, 55, of Dade City, was pushed into the guardrail, and the tractor-trailer overturned onto its left side, sliding in the southbound lanes. The cab caught fire, troopers said.

Pinion suffered minor injuries, troopers said.

The southbound lanes were blocked until just after 8 a.m., troopers said.

Northbound lanes were unaffected.