Man jumps from Howard Frankland Bridge following truck fire

TAMPA (FOX 13) - A Bartow man is recovering after he jumped off the Howard Frankland Bridge to escape his burning truck.

The Florida Highway Patrol says the driver, 41-year-old Adirut Promdi, was traveling southbound on the bridge when his 2005 Toyota Tacoma caught fire. Promdi pulled the truck over, exited, and jumped into the water. 

Officials are still investigating the events that caused Promdi to jump. 

"The gentleman was in his vehicle, and the vehicle was not completely burning," said Tampa Fire Captain James Gilligan. "Next thing, he jumped over the side of the bridge. For unknown reasons he jumped into he water from the highest part."

Rescue crews with Tampa Fire Rescue found Promdi clinging to a pylon under the bridge a short time later. They say it's amazing he was not injured, especially considering the weather conditions. 

"A lot of times we don't actually recover people that jump from that bridge," said Tampa Fire Captain Julian Mullis. 

The Tampa Police Department continues to investigate the incident.