WEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. – Four people were killed and three others injured after a crash early New Year’s morning.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, the violent crash happened at Northwest 79th Avenue and Flagler Street. Officers were dispatched to the scene around 3:53 a.m.
According to FHP, the four victims, one woman and three men, were traveling in a blue Hyundai Elantra. One of those victims was ejected from the car at the time of the impact. All four were pronounced dead at the scene.
“It was reported by people that it was a very violent crash and once troopers responded to the scene, and Miami Dade also responded to the scene, we knew we had an accident that people had lost their lives,” said FHP Trooper Joe Sanchez.
The second vehicle involved was a black Chevy Tahoe with three 16-year-old boys inside.
FHP said the deadly crash happened when the driver of the blue Elantra was making a left turn onto Flagler Street from 79th Avenue at a flashing red light.
At the same time, the driver of the Tahoe entered the intersection at a flashing yellow light. Investigators say that’s when the vehicles collided.
“Miami-Dade Firefighters confirmed that all four occupants of the Hyundai died at the scene. One adult female and three adult males,” Sanchez said. “The occupants of the Tahoe, three ages 16, were transported to Kendal regional hospital with non-life threatening injuries.”
The occupants of the Tahoe were taken to Kendall Regional Hospital and are expected to recover from their injuries.
FHP is looking into alcohol/drugs and excessive speed as a contributing factor in the crash.
Miami-Dade Police and FHP were both at the scene investigating.
Officers could be seen blocking off early morning traffic in both directions as parts of both vehicles littered the roadway.
Officials said they are not releasing any names of the victims or those involved in the crash at this time.
The investigation continues.