Dump-truck driver injured in fiery crash on S.R. 429

WEST ORANGE  A fiery crash involving a dump truck shut down all southbound lanes of State Road 429 near Ocoee-Apopka Road Thursday morning.

Around 9 a.m. Aug. 4, a dump truck hauling yard waste was traveling northbound on S.R. 429 near mile marker 29 when one of its tire treads separated, according to Florida Highway Patrol. The driver, 61-year-old Michael Bridges of Orlando, lost control of the truck as it swerved through the center grass median and into the southbound lanes. The truck then clipped a 2014 Honda, driven by 37-year-old Monica Gupte of Fort Lauderdale, before it hit the west shoulder, overturned and caught fire.

According to an FHP report, 32-year-old Jason Williams, of Orange City, ran across the southbound lanes to the shoulder and pulled Bridges out of the truck’s cab. Bridges was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Williams is credited with saving Bridges’ life.

All lanes of S.R. 429 have since been reopened. No other details have been released, and the crash remains under investigation.

Contact Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].