A devastating collision in Opa-locka resulted in the death of a man and left two women critically injured when a high-speed vehicle crashed and erupted into flames in front of a residential home.
The incident took place on Sunday at approximately 7:10 am near Northwest 135th Street and 27th Avenue. According to police, the vehicle, identified as a Lamborghini, lost control, struck several parked cars, and then slammed into a house, igniting in a fiery blaze.
Local 10 reported that the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) identified the deceased driver on Monday as Steven Lenard Hadley, aged 35. Hadley was tragically set to celebrate his 36th birthday on the day following the fatal crash.
Authorities stated that Hadley was ejected from the car upon impact and was declared dead at the scene by first responders.
The two female passengers were airlifted to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Witnesses from the neighborhood recounted scenes of horror. "They lost control of the car, it hit a few trees, went airborne, and started crashing into everything in its path," said Carlos Tapanes to Telemundo 51, a witness of the accident.
James Moyer, a resident of the affected home, detailed that after the impact, "the car turned into a ball of fire."
Moyer also mentioned that he and his wife helped move one of the passengers away from the burning vehicle. "The girl was nearby; I moved her away from the car with my wife. She had broken bones, could barely breathe, fighting for her life at that moment," he recounted.
Initially, the Fire Department reported that three individuals were transported to the hospital. However, an hour later, the MDSO confirmed the driver's death.
Notably, there is a discrepancy regarding the type of vehicle involved: while the Opa-locka Police and Telemundo 51 identified it as a Lamborghini, WSVN described it as an orange Corvette. This discrepancy has not been officially resolved.
Although the incident occurred within Opa-locka's jurisdiction, the MDSO's Traffic Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, as is customary when fatalities occur in smaller municipalities within the county.
Residents have highlighted that speeding is a chronic issue on this road. Tapanes mentioned he has reached out to local commissioners, demanding traffic safety measures in the area.
The history of fatal accidents in Miami-Dade supports these community concerns.
Just 22 days prior, on April 4, another fatal accident happened on the same NW 135th Street at the intersection with 47th Avenue: a car crashed into a tree, caught fire, and the driver died; a Miami-Dade Sheriff's deputy was injured when another vehicle hit them while blocking the intersection.
This area of Miami-Dade is also known for incidents involving luxury vehicles traveling at high speeds.
In September 2023, a Lamborghini crashed into several cars on the 79th NE Street bridge, resulting in a man's death; the driver was arrested for driving with a suspended license.
In June 2022, another Lamborghini driver died after colliding with a pole in Little River, leaving a passenger severely injured.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Opa-locka Lamborghini Crash
What were the circumstances of the Opa-locka crash?
The crash occurred when a high-speed Lamborghini lost control, hit parked cars, and crashed into a house, catching fire. The driver died, and two passengers were critically injured.
Who was the driver involved in the accident?
The driver was Steven Lenard Hadley, a 35-year-old who was set to turn 36 the day after the accident.
Where are the passengers currently receiving treatment?
The two female passengers were taken to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they remain in critical condition.