The crash was caused when one driver lost control while trying to avoid a crash, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

PINELLAS COUNTY – A Treasure Island man died Tuesday (Nov. 8) from injuries he received in a head-on traffic collision, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Matthew Clifton Bassett, 35, of Treasure Island, died at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where he was taken after the crash. Thomas Scott Conely, 40, of St. Petersburg, the other driver, was taken to Bayfront with critical injuries.

The crash happened about 9:19 a.m. on I-275 north of 54th Avenue S. Troopers said Conely was driving a 2007 Ford van north on I-275 when a blue pickup truck pulled off the shoulder into his path. Conely tried to avoid a crash and lost control of his van, which crossed the median and entered the southbound lanes of 275. The van collided head-on with a 2011 Ford van driven by Mr. Bassett, according to troopers.

Troopers are asking anyone with information about the blue pickup or its driver to contact the FHP by calling (813) 631-4020.

For information about the Florida Highway Patrol, go to flhsmv.gov.

Florida Highway Patrol | Driver Killed | Matthew Clifton Bassett | I-275 | Head-On Crash | TB Reporter

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