ABC World News Tonight saw Linsey Davis take over reporting duties on Sunday night to report on a deadly car crash as anchor David Muir stepped away from the desk
ABC viewers were left horrified as World News Tonight host Linsey Davis shared an update about a fatal car crash in Tampa, Florida.
Davis took over hosting duties from David Muir, who temporarily stepped away from the ABC desk as he celebrated his 52nd birthday. Reporting from the studio, Davis updated viewers about a street racer who lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a Florida bar.
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Four people were killed in the incident, leaving at least 11 others injured. The driver was apprehended by police and the car crash is currently under investigation. Davis shared, “Tragedy in Tampa, Florida. Four people were killed and 11 others injured after an alleged street racer lost control of his vehicle.
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“Police released surveillance video of the suspect that they say was speed racing with another car before slamming into a crowd outside of a busy bar. The suspect now faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide.” She then handed over to ABC correspondent Andrew Dymburt for more.
Dymburt began, “Tonight, tragedy in Tampa, Florida. A community in mourning. A driver slamming into a crowd of people in Ybor City, a popular nightlife district, early Saturday morning, killing four and injuring more than a dozen others.”
An eyewitness told ABC, “I’ve never experienced anything where I’ve seen so many people get hit by a vehicle like that, get hurt and killed.” Dymburt continued, “Authorities say the driver, 22-year-old Silas Sampson, was street racing before the deadly crash.
“And tonight, new helicopter video from police, showing officers trying to pull the vehicle over as it’s speeding down the highway, exiting the interstate, officers in pursuit, police attempting a PIT maneuver, but the driver getting away. Moments later losing control and ploughing into a bar patio packed with people.”
Tampa Police Department Chief Lee Bercaw said in a press conference, “They were out in Ybor, having a good time, expecting to go home safely and a careless, reckless driver takes everybody’s lives.”
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Reporting live, Dymburt shared, “Linsey, the driver is facing multiple felony vehicular homicide charges. He made his first court appearance today and he’ll remain in custody until his next hearing Thursday.”
A clip of the broadcast was shared on Instagram with the caption, “At least four people were killed and 13 others were injured when a driver lost control of his vehicle in Tampa, Florida. Authorities say the driver was allegedly street racing before the deadly crash. @dym_stagram has the latest.”
Viewers rushed to the comments to share their thoughts on the incident. “Very Very sad, my sincere condolences and prayers to the families,” one person wrote.
“We need to use technology to help@the police out a stop to this street racing,” someone else insisted. “The penalties are not strong enough. This is as dangerous as drunk driving. In addition to the street racing is the speed by which everyone drives. Former trauma nurse here….. speed kills.”
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A third person commented, “So sad….. that’s why here in Vegas they put up these like pole things around the sidewalk on Las Vegas Boulevard feels a little bit more safer. Maybe Tampa should do the same, sad situation.”
“This sucks!” another viewer fumed. “Haven’t they learned from other cases seen on social media… it never ends good and they destroyed their lives forever along with others.”
“So sad. Praying the people hurt or killed,” a fifth person posted. Other viewers added rows of crying face emojis in the comments.
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