Campuzano-Martine, 36, smashed into the 1500 gallon saltwater tank that is outside of the American Airlines baggage claim terminal, apparently after losing control of her truck.
Campuzano-Martine was cited for careless driving, having a child without a restraint and failure to show a license. A 17-year-old was also in the car. The 6-year-old boy had minor injuries that did not require treatment,
The aquarium was part of a public art program. The airport spent $200,000 on the exhibit, which included the 12-foot tank. About 90 percent of the 30 to 40 saltwater fish in the tank were killed.
The Public Art Program at the Tampa Airport was established in July of 1998 to enhance the travel experience for airport customers. The art committee, comprised of Aviation Authority personnel, art committee personnel from the City of Tampa and community members at large, selects art through a jury process initiated by a call to artists.
The fish tank's thick, clear plastic front was intact, but damage to the pipes underneith caused water to drain out to the sidewalk, roadway and carpet inside the building. According to TIA spokeswoman Brenda Geohagan, airport employees gathered up the 30 to 40 Indo-Pacific saltwater fish and put them in a bucket until Florida Aquarium staff arrived.
The majority of the fish in the tank died.Officials from the Florida Aquarium inspected the dry aquarium and looked for surviving hermit crabs. Aquarium employees are keeping vigil over the four or five fish still alive.
The driver of the truck that crashed into the aquarium at the Tampa Airport, Yamile Campuzano-Martine, was apparently waiting to pick up a relative when she lost control of the truck.
Cheryl Phillips
HULIQ.com
source: MSNBC, TampaAirport.com
image: TampaAirport.com
Posted November 11th, 2009 by Cheryl Phillips
