On Monday, August 5, an SUV went off a South Florida road, struck a railing, and ended up upside down in a canal, killing nine family members.
On Monday, August 5, an SUV went off a South Florida road, struck a railing, and ended up upside down in a canal, killing nine family members. There are many youngsters among the deceased. One traveler was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.
The New York Post reported that Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Capt. Tom Reyes stated, “I’ve been with the department for 20 years, and this is one of the most difficult scenes I’ve been on.”
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook on the “heartbreaking incident.” “A terrible collision happened near the 5800 Block of Hatton Highway in Belle Glade last night, leaving several people dead. Sadly, Fire Rescue stated that four people were declared dead at the spot, and that five more victims died after being taken to a nearby hospital. The sheriff’s office tweeted, “We have one survivor for a total of 10 victims,” and offered the victims’ families their “thoughts and prayers.”
According to police, Pamela Wiggins, the driver, was unable to navigate the bend “for undetermined reasons,” which led to the collision. After slamming into a barrier and overturning, the car fell into the sea. According to Reyes, the SUV immersed itself to the point that only its wheels were visible in the water.
Who were the victims?
Six children were among the victims: Naleia Tucker, age one; Ziaire Mack, age three; Yasire Smith and Kamdien Edwards, ages five; Imani Andre Ajani Hall, age eight; and Michael Anthony Hall Jr., age fourteen. Wiggins, Anyia Monique Lee Tucker, 21, and Leiana Alyse Hall, 30, are among the other deceased individuals. The lone survivor, Jorden Rickey Hall, 26, is currently in critical condition.
The family was from Chesapeake, Virginia, and Bridgeport, Connecticut. According to their relatives, they were in Florida for a family member’s birthday celebration.
The tragedy happened on the last day of the vacation, Anntianette Edwards, whose son Kamdien passed away, told WPBF. Anntianette stated, “They were on their way to the airport to return to Connecticut.”
The family had a 2023 Ford Explorer in its possession. Websites for Ford dealerships state that the car can accommodate up to seven passengers. None of the occupants in the crowded automobile were using seatbelts at the time of the collision. An investigation is underway to find the crash’s cause.
