Nine people are dead, including five juveniles, after a driver crashed into a canal Monday night in western Palm Beach County, officials said.
According to a crash report from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the driver failed to negotiate a left curve, resulting in the 2023 Ford Explorer veering onto the grass shoulder and hitting the guardrail before finally overturning into the canal.
The car was traveling westbound around 7:30pm on Hatton Highway in Belle Glade, Florida.
Police in a statement said four victims were pronounced dead on the scene, and six were transported to a local hospital where five of them passed away.
“We have one survivor for a total of 10 victims,” the sheriff’s office said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this heartbreaking incident.”
The one survivor, a 26-year-old male, remains hospitalized at St. Mary’s Medical Center with “serious” injuries.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue told NBC News that “young children” were among the victims.
“There were 5 juveniles and 5 adults involved,” they said.
Fire Rescue said they found the vehicle partially submerged and upside-down in the canal. Two victims were transported to a trauma center by Trauma Hawk helicopter, and four were transported via ground units.
Divers searched the area to ensure all occupants were accounted for.
Fire officials said there were scattered rainstorms in Palm Beach County that evening, but that has not yet been determined to be the cause of the crash.
Belle Glade Mayor Steve Wilson said he is praying for the families involved.
He said the city is doing “everything humanly possible” to make roads safer, including installing more lighting and guardrails, but added that “we can always do more.”
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the crash.
A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said they are aware of the crash and are gathering additional information.
Police said next of kin have been notified.
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