POINCIANA, FLORIDA: In a devastating accident in Florida, Trinidad Hernandez and her three grandchildren died when a car driven by a teenager sped through a stop sign, causing a fatal collision.
Hernandez, 50, and her three young grandchildren, ages one, nine, and 11, died in the crash on Sunday, September 3. A 52-year-old passenger in Hernandez's car sustained serious injuries as well.
The incident occurred at the intersection of San Miguel Street and Laurel Avenue, approximately 35 miles south of Orlando.
What were the circumstances leading to the car accident?
The tragedy unfolded when a 15-year-old teenager was behind the wheel of a 2012 Chevrolet Impala, accompanied by three other 15-year-old boys.
Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that the crash was the result of the teenage driver failing to stop at a stop sign while speeding.
In a heart-wrenching Facebook post, the children's father, Mickey Hernandez-Morillo, expressed his grief, writing, "ALL 3 OF MY KIDS WE’RE PRONOUNCED DEAD TODAY IN A CAR ACCIDENT! I WANT YOU GUYS BACK!!"
The collision occurred when the teenager's car collided with the left side of the family's SUV, a 2022 Honda HR-V. The impact caused the SUV to spin out of control and collide with a light pole.
The SUV's driver and one of the children were pronounced dead at the scene, while the two other children succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.
Injured teen driver and passengers rushed to hospital
The teenage driver and his three passengers were transported to the hospital as well, with varying degrees of injuries.
Witness Michele Torres, recounting the scene, mentioned that stop signs on Laurel Avenue were often ignored, and the area was "known for speeding."
Torres provided assistance to the teenage driver, helping him stay calm and remain at the accident scene.
She said that the teenager repeatedly asked "Am I going to jail? Ma’am, am I going to jail?"' as per the Daily Mail.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the tragic crash, though it remains unclear whether the teenage driver will face charges.
At this time, no additional details regarding the incident have been made available.
