Driver Killed When He Hits Large Oak Limb In Street

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TAMPA (CBSMiami/AP) — Tragedy comes in very unsuspecting and illogical ways sometimes.

A Florida driver died when he drove into a large branch that had broken off and blocked the street.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says 36-year-old William Vantassel drove into the branch early Thursday.

The hood of his Nissan Altima went under the branch but it smashed into the driver's compartment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident happened in the Tampa suburb of Hudson.

Chris Montgomery told The Tampa Bay Times that his family had complained to Tampa Electric a year ago about the tree, which hung over its powerline.

Tampa Electric told the newspaper it was looking into its response.

Under state law, it is the company's responsibility to trim the tree if it threatens its line.

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