BELLE GLADE, Fla. — Two Bridgeport residents were among the nine who died in an SUV crash in Florida on Monday night.
An overloaded SUV went out of control on Hatton Highway, hit a guardrail and went into a canal, FOX61 sister station WTSP reported.
Crews found the SUV upside down and partially underwater, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Captain Tom Reyes told reporters in Florida. According to FOX affiliate WFLX, a crash report obtained from Palm Beach County Police said that none of the 10 people were wearing safety equipment at the time.
Police identified Anyia Monique Lee Tucker, 21, and a five-year-old, both of Bridgeport, as victims, according to WFLX, citing the crash report. The driver is among the dead.
Four of the victims were pronounced dead on the scene, and six others were taken to the hospital, where five of them died, according to officials.
A tenth person, a 26-year-old man, was rescued and is in serious condition at this time.
The 10 people were all in a 2023 Ford Explorer, which has a maximum capacity of seven people, WTSP reports.
The deaths of all nine people were determined to be accidental in a report from the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner Wednesday.
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim and Dr. Carmela Levy-David, superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools, said in a release that the nine people who died were family members of a Bridgeport Board of Education custodial staff member.
Levy-David said, “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. 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this profound grief. We kindly ask that everyone respects the privacy of our staff member and their family. In moments like these, it is crucial to provide them the space and time they need to mourn and heal. Bridgeport Public Schools is committed to supporting our employee in every possible way. We are here to offer any assistance and comfort they may need during this period. Together, as a community, we stand with our colleague, offering our prayers, support, and love.”
Ganim stated, “On behalf of the City of Bridgeport, I want to express our deepest condolences to the custodial staff member who lost their family members during a tragic accident. 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 as multiple losses have taken place. All our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the custodial staff member and the rest of their family as they embark on a mournful journey toward healing. The City of Bridgeport echoes the sentiments made by Dr. Carmela-Levy David and we encourage all to allow the custodial staff member enough space to heal and grieve at this time.”
This is a developing story.
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