What Happened in Ybor City: 4 Killed, 11 Injured After Speeding Car Crashes Into Bradley’s on 7th

A devastating crash in Ybor City early Saturday morning left four people dead and 11 others injured after a speeding car slammed into Bradley’s on 7th, a popular bar on 7th Avenue, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The driver, identified as 22-year-old Silas Sampson, has been detained as the investigation continues.

The Florida Highway Patrol and Tampa Police confirmed that the car was traveling at dangerously high speeds before losing control and crashing into the business around 12:45 a.m. The incident turned a busy nightlife area into a scene of chaos and tragedy.

Deadly Crash on 7th Avenue: Key Details and Official Statements

According to FHP, troopers first observed the vehicle driving recklessly on Interstate 275 just after midnight. Air Service units had been tracking the same vehicle earlier that night, when it was allegedly street racing near Hillsborough Avenue and 22nd Street.

After exiting I-275 at Doyle Carlton Drive, Tampa police and state troopers located the car near Palm Avenue and Nebraska Avenue. A pursuit began when the driver sped away, and officers attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle—but it was unsuccessful. The pursuit was called off shortly after as the driver continued east toward Ybor City’s crowded 7th Avenue.

Moments later, the vehicle crashed into Bradley’s on 7th, striking more than a dozen people gathered on the bar’s outdoor patio. Three victims died at the scene, while a fourth died later at the hospital. Among the 11 injured, one remains in critical condition, eight are in stable condition, and two declined hospital treatment for minor injuries. All 15 victims are adults.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw described the incident as “a senseless tragedy,” emphasizing that reckless driving endangered innocent lives. “Our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted,” Bercaw said in a statement. “We are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families.”

Community Shock and Broader Impact Across Tampa

The crash has left the Ybor City community grieving. Bradley’s on 7th, a well-known LGBTQ+ establishment, was crowded during Pride weekend celebrations. Witnesses described the crash as “chaotic” and “unreal,” as patrons rushed to help those injured on the patio.

City officials and local leaders have called for renewed enforcement against reckless and street racing activity, which has plagued parts of Tampa in recent years. The Florida Highway Patrol and Tampa Police are expected to release further updates as they reconstruct the accident and determine whether alcohol or other factors played a role.

The investigation remains ongoing as Ybor City mourns a tragedy that claimed four lives and injured eleven others. Authorities say charges against Silas Sampson are pending based on the outcome of the investigation.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who was the driver in the Ybor City crash?

Officials identified the driver as 22-year-old Silas Sampson, who was detained at the scene after the crash outside Bradley’s on 7th.

Q2: How many people were killed and injured in the crash?

Four people were killed and eleven others were injured when the speeding car struck pedestrians outside the popular Ybor City bar.

Q3: What caused the crash in Ybor City?

Authorities said the driver was speeding and had been previously spotted racing on Hillsborough Avenue before losing control on 7th Avenue.

Q4: What did Tampa Police say about the incident?

Chief Lee Bercaw called it “a senseless tragedy” and promised justice for the victims and families affected by the reckless driving incident.

Q5: What is the current status of the investigation?

The Florida Highway Patrol and Tampa Police are continuing their joint investigation, with charges against the driver still pending.