SUV with 12 relatives in deadly crash on Fla. Turnpike
STUART, Fla. - Authorities say an overloaded SUV carrying 12 relatives crashed over the weekend on Florida's Turnpike, claiming three lives.
Sgt. Mark Wysocky with the Florida Highway Patrol says a blown tire caused the 2006 Ford Expedition to overturn Saturday in Martin County, on central Florida's Atlantic Coast. Troopers say all 12 occupants were relatives from Apopka and a police report indicated half of them weren't wearing seat belts.
CBS affiliate WPEC in West Palm reports five of the kids were ejected from the car in the crash.
Authorities say 38-year-old Uriel Miranda died at the scene and 2-year-old Yaretsi Miranda died Saturday evening at a hospital. Eight-year-old Yordi Miranda died Sunday at a hospital.
Authorities say the driver and a 7-year-old boy were treated at a hospital and released. Seven other relatives ranging from ages 3 to 34 remained hospitalized.
Wysocky said the SUV had a capacity of nine occupants.