Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Florida · United States · Bridge

A freighter struck the Florida bridge in 1980 and a span collapsed, killing thirty five people. The hitchhikers reported on the bridge have nothing to do.

The Sunshine Skyway crosses the mouth of Tampa Bay at St Petersburg, Florida. In 1980 a freighter struck a support in a storm and a section of the span fell, taking vehicles into the water with it. Thirty five people died. A new bridge was built alongside.

The figures reported on the bridge appear to be unconnected to that disaster, which is unusual and worth stating clearly.

The first is a hitchhiker who gets into cars at the foot of the bridge. Drivers describe reaching the far side and finding the passenger seat empty. Nobody reports him leaving.

The second is a woman in a nightgown, reported at the top of the span at around midnight, flagging down oncoming traffic. One lorry driver's account of picking her up was carried in the local press.

The bridge is long, high and exposed, and the crossing takes several minutes with nowhere to stop. That is the setting in which drivers report finding themselves suddenly alone in a vehicle they were sharing a moment earlier.

FAQ

Where is Sunshine Skyway Bridge located?

Sunshine Skyway Bridge is in Florida, United States.