9 dead, including 5 children, after SUV crashes into canal in Florida

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 7:30 p.m. 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 died.

“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 five juveniles and five adults involved,” they said. 

The driver, Pamela Wiggins, 56, would have celebrated her birthday this Tuesday, according to the crash report. 

The rest of the victims were identified as Michael Anthony Hall Jr., 14; Imani Andre Ajani Hall, 8; Naleia Tucker, 1; Yasire Smith, 5; Leiana Alyse Hall, 30; Anyia Monique Lee Tucker, 21, of Bridgeport, CT; Kamdien Edwards, 5, of Bridgeport, CT; and Ziaire Mack, 3, of Chesapeake, VA. 

All nine victims were family members of a Bridgeport Public School District employee. 

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the devastating news that one of our cherished custodial staff members has suffered an unimaginable loss,” superintendent Carmela Levy-David said in a statement. 

“Nine members of their family were tragically killed in a car accident out of state. On behalf of the entire Bridgeport Public Schools community, I extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to our colleague and their family during this incredibly challenging time.” 

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. 

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue captain Tom Reyes said he’s been with the department 20 years, and this is one of the most horrifying scenes he’s ever witnessed.

Officials said there were scattered rainstorms in Palm Beach County that evening, but that weather or the recent Tropical Storm Debby has not been determined to be the cause of the crash. 

Divers searched the area to ensure all occupants were accounted for. 

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.”

A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said they are sending a team to conduct a safety investigation in coordination with the local sheriff’s office.

Bridgeport mayor Joe Ganim voiced his condolences, saying, “The amount of grief that comes from losing a loved one is never easy, and unfortunately, this instance calls for an unparalleled amount of sorrow.”