9 killed when an overloaded SUV flips into a canal in rural South Florida, authorities say

BELLE GLADE, Fla. -- Nine people died, including several young children, and one person was seriously injured when an overloaded SUV went out of control on a rural South Florida road, hit a guardrail and flipped upside down into a canal, authorities said.

The 2023 Ford Explorer was carrying four adults and six children and traveling south on Hatton Highway near Belle Glade at about 7:30 p.m. Monday when it came to a part of the two-lane road that briefly jogs west before again heading south, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said.

Driver Pamela Wiggins, who would have turned 57 on Tuesday, failed to negotiate the turn and went off the road, the office said. The SUV hit a guardrail before flipping into the canal, which runs parallel to the road.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Capt. Tom Reyes told reporters that when crews arrived, the SUV was upside-down and partially underwater.

Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, while five died at the hospital. In addition to Wiggins, the dead were identified as Leiana Alyse Hall, 30; Anyia Monique Lee Tucker, 21; Michael Anthony Hall Jr., 14; Imani Andre Ajani Hall, 8; Kamdien Edwards, 5; Yasire Smith, 5; Ziaire Mack, 3; and Naleia Tucker, 1. Jorden Rickey Hall, 26, was rescued and was said to be in serious condition.

“I’ve been with the department for 20 years, and this is one of the most difficult scenes I’ve been on,” Reyes said.

According to Ford dealership websites, 2023 Explorers have a maximum capacity of seven. The crash report said none of the occupants were wearing seat belts or using child restraints.

It wasn't immediately clear how all of the victims were connected. Officials said at least two were from Bridgeport, Connecticut, while at least one other was from Chesapeake, Virginia.

Belle Glade is a farming community just south of Lake Okeechobee and about 45 miles (70 kilometers) west of West Palm Beach.