A tragic accident involving a 2023 Ford Explorer that crashed into a canal in Palm Beach County on Monday night resulted in the death of nine people, including six children, and left one person injured. The victims were members of a single family, confirmed the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
The accident occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Southwest Conners Highway in Belle Glade, according to Local 10 News. Official sources stated that the vehicle was driven by a 56-year-old woman who was celebrating her birthday on Tuesday. She was traveling west on Hatton Highway when, for unknown reasons, she failed to navigate a curve and collided with a guardrail, causing the car to veer into the canal.
Tom Reyes, a captain with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR), told WPTV, an NBC affiliate, that divers quickly worked to rescue the victims, who were initially believed to be around 10 occupants based on preliminary information. "This is a very significant scene. This is a very tough decision. We have critical incident stress management teams coming to talk to our firefighters, to work with the Sheriff's department," Reyes said.
Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other six were hospitalized—two of whom were airlifted to a trauma center with severe injuries. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Tuesday that five of those hospitalized had succumbed to their injuries, leaving only 26-year-old Jorden Hall as the sole survivor, who remains in critical condition.
The six children ranged in age from 1 to 14 years old, with the youngest victim being a 23-month-old girl. Law enforcement authorities have announced that an investigation will be launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Details Surrounding the Palm Beach Tragic Car Accident
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the tragic car accident in Palm Beach, aiming to provide more clarity on the incident.
What caused the car accident in Palm Beach?
The accident occurred when the vehicle, driven by a 56-year-old woman, failed to navigate a curve and collided with a guardrail, causing it to crash into a canal. The exact cause is still under investigation.
Who were the victims of the accident?
The victims were members of a single family, including six children aged between 1 and 14 years old. The youngest victim was a 23-month-old girl.
How many people survived the accident?
Out of the ten occupants, only one person, Jorden Hall, survived and is currently in critical condition.
What steps are being taken in response to the accident?
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Critical incident stress management teams are also being deployed to support first responders and the Sheriff's department.