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SUV goes off freeway overpass in deadly crash

PHOENIX -- Authorities say five people were killed when a SUV went off a Phoenix freeway overpass.

Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman Raul Garcia says the victims were killed Wednesday night when the SUV went off an Interstate 10 overpass after failing to slow enough at the top of an off-ramp to make a turn.

Garcia says the victims were believed to be an adult and four children. Identities were not immediately released.

"We lost five lives in this tragic event," DPS Capt. Stephen Reutter told CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV. "It is nights like these that will stay with you the rest of your life."

According to Garcia, skid marks indicate the driver braked, but the SUV crashed through a concrete barrier wall, then vaulted over a second barrier and through a chain-link fence before falling 50 feet to the median below.

Garcia said the SUV landed on its wheels but burst into flames with all five occupants still inside.

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