Tampa Driver Who Killed Three To Admits Taking Pills

A judge has set no bond for a Brandon woman who caused a chain-reaction wreck in Tampa on the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway Thursday that killed three people.

Authorities say Amber Perera, 29, was speeding in the eastbound lanes near West Euclid Avenue when she slammed into a car ahead of her, causing that car to cross the median and hit two oncoming vehicles.

The car Perera hit then burst into flames, and three people inside perished. Witnesses told police that Perera regained control of her car and fled the scene at high speed.

Police eventually took her into custody when damage from the wreck caused her engine to quit running.

Police say Perera admitted that she had taken prescription anxiety medications Ativan and Lexapro, both of which can cause drowsiness. Blood was drawn at the hospital to be tested for alcohol. Those results are expected later.

Perera is charged with three counts of DUI manslaughter, DUI serious bodily injury, hit-and-run involving injury/death, and tampering with evidence.