Officials reported that a motorist in western Palm Beach County collided with a canal on Monday night, killing nine persons, including five minors.
The driver failed to negotiate a left curve, which caused the 2023 Ford Explorer to veer into the grass shoulder, strike the guardrail, and ultimately tumble into the canal, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office crash report.
At about 7:30 p.m., the vehicle was driving west on Hatton Highway in Belle Glade, Florida.
Four individuals were declared dead at the site, according to a statement from the police, while five more died en route to a nearby hospital.
“Out of ten victims, we only have one survivor,” the sheriff’s office declared. “At this tragic time, our prayers and thoughts are with the families.”
The lone survivor, a male 26-year-old, is still listed as critically injured and is being treated at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
“Young children” were among the victims, according to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, which spoke with NBC News.
They added that “five juveniles and five adults were involved.”
The crash report states that this Tuesday would have been the 56-year-old driver Pamela Wiggins’ birthday.
The remaining fatalities were identified as follows: Anyia Monique Lee Tucker, 21, of Bridgeport, CT; Kamdien Edwards, 5, of Bridgeport, CT; Ziaire Mack, 3, of Chesapeake, VA; Michael Anthony Hall Jr., 14; Imani Andre Ajani Hall, 8; Naleia Tucker, 1; Yasire Smith, 5; Leiana Alyse Hall, 30.
The nine victims were all relatives of a worker in the Bridgeport Public School District.
Superintendent Carmela Levy-David released a statement saying, “I must convey the heartbreaking news that one of our beloved housekeeping crew members has lost something beyond comprehension.”
Tragically, nine of their family members perished in an out-of-state vehicle accident. I would like to offer our colleague and their family our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies during this extremely trying time on behalf of the entire Bridgeport Public Schools community.
According to Fire Rescue, they discovered the car upside down and partially immersed in the canal. Four victims were taken by ground units, and two were flown by Trauma Hawk helicopter to a trauma center.
After 20 years with the service, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue captain Tom Reyes claimed that this is one of the most horrific situations he has ever seen.
Although there were sporadic downpours in Palm Beach County that evening, officials stated neither the weather nor the recent Tropical Storm Debby were to blame for the disaster.
Scuba divers examined the region to make sure everyone was present.
Steve Wilson, the mayor of Belle Glade, expressed his prayers for the affected families.
Although he acknowledged that “we can always do more,” he stated that the city is making “every effort humanly possible” to make roadways safer, including adding extra guardrails and lights.
An NTSB representative stated that the organization is sending a team to carry out a safety investigation in conjunction with the local sheriff’s office.
“Losing a loved one never eases the loss that follows, and this case tragically necessitates an unmatched level of sadness,” said Bridgeport mayor Joe Ganim in expressing his sympathies.