Four Dead, Eleven Injured as Speeding Car Strikes Crowd in Tampa

BREAKING: A tragic incident unfolded early Saturday morning in Tampa, Florida, where a speeding car crashed into a crowd, leaving four people dead and eleven injured. The shocking event occurred around 12:40 a.m. in Ybor City as police pursued a vehicle involved in street racing.

According to the Tampa Police Department, the chaos began when police air units spotted two vehicles racing westbound on Hillsborough Avenue. One vehicle broke off, while the other, driven by 22-year-old Silas Sampson, continued southbound on Interstate 275. Attempts to stop the car, including a traffic stop and a PIT maneuver by the Florida Highway Patrol, were unsuccessful.

The speeding car barreled down 7th Avenue and crashed into a crowd outside Bradley’s Bar, hitting more than a dozen people. Three victims died at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to injuries at the hospital. As of 5:30 a.m., one individual remains in critical condition, with eight others in stable condition and two declining treatment for minor injuries.

Police Chief Lee Bercaw confirmed that all victims were adults over the age of 20. Sampson was arrested at the scene and faces eight felony charges, including four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing with serious bodily injury. Court records indicate that he received a speeding citation in October for driving 99 mph on Interstate 75, where the speed limit is 70 mph.

This incident has left the community in shock, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving. As the investigation continues, local authorities urge the public to stay informed about updates.

Stay tuned for more developments on this tragic story as it unfolds.