Man Crashes Into Florida Bar: 4 Killed, 11 Injured

Horrifying video shows the moment a street racer fleeing cops plowed into a Florida gay bar, killing four people and injuring more than a dozen others.

The security footage reveals terrified pedestrians racing for safety as the silver Toyota Camry careens through the intersection and into a crowd of people early Saturday outside Bradley’s in Tampa.

At least a dozen people were outside the packed bar at the time of the 12:45 a.m. tragedy.

Three people were pronounced dead at the scene.

A fourth succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital.

At least 13 others were hurt in the crash, with two in critical condition.

“What happened this morning was a senseless tragedy, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victims and all those who were impacted,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement.

“Reckless driving put innocent lives in danger. The Tampa Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol are committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families.”

Police identified the driver as 22-year-old Silas Sampson, who was allegedly street racing with another car on a nearby road in the minutes before the crash.

Video captured by the Tampa police’s Air Service shows the pair speeding on Hillsborough Avenue, overtaking at least one car that was also on the road.

The cars split directions, and officers pursued the one driven by Sampson as he allegedly drove at a high rate of speed, Lee explained at a press conference.

The footage shows a police cruiser trying to stop traffic before attempting to stop the fleeing car, but Sampson continued racing until he lost control of the vehicle and smashed into the bar.

All the victims were over the age of 20, Lee said.

“They were out in Ybor having a good time, expecting to go home safely, and a careless, reckless driver takes everybody’s lives in his hands and just ended this night in a situation that’s never going to be the same for these individuals,” said Lee.

Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Steve Gaskins claims cops had “backed off” their pursuit of Sampson before the deadly crash.

Sampson was arrested at the scene and has been charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death. All are first-degree felonies.

The tattoo-riddled alleged speed racer was being held without bond.

“Our entire city feels this loss,” said Mayor Jane Castor, who also served as Tampa’s first female police chief, in a post on social media.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected. The investigation into this crash is ongoing, and we are working to get answers.”

The FHP is investigating the incident.

The owners of Bradley’s said their “hearts are broken” following the tragedy.

“This tragedy has struck at the heart of Tampa’s LGBTQ+ community,” they said in a statement obtained by the Daily Mail.

“Bradley’s on 7th is more than just a nightclub, it is a sanctuary, a space of celebration, love, and chosen family for countless people across Tampa Bay.”

Hours before the tragedy, Bradley’s posted pictures to its social media showing a packed dancefloor.

The crash occurred just 15 minutes before drag performers were scheduled to hit the stage.