A tragedy has shaken the Miami Gardens community after a violent traffic accident on Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Northwest 37th Avenue and 170th Street claimed the lives of five people, including a grandmother and her three grandchildren.
The fatal accident, which involved three vehicles, occurred shortly before six in the evening and, according to the authorities, was caused by a driver who was speeding and under the influence of alcohol.
The victims: a shattered family
The deceased have been identified as Rosa Jones, 56 years old; Kamari Graham, 10 years old, who was celebrating her birthday on the day of the tragedy; Azariah McCall, 9 years old; and Arianna Johnson, 11 years old.
In addition, 13-year-old Jamarya Graham, who was riding in the same vehicle, sustained serious head injuries, according to her family.
The children's mother, Donika, was also seriously injured and remains hospitalized alongside her partner.
The family was heading to celebrate Kamari Graham's birthday when, suddenly, their car was violently struck by a black Kia Sorento, causing the devastating collision.
A tragedy has shocked the community of Miami Gardens after a violent traffic accident occurred on Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Northwest 37th Avenue and 170th Street, claiming the lives of five people, including a grandmother and her three minor grandchildren.
The fatal accident, which involved three vehicles, occurred just before six in the evening and, according to authorities, was caused by a driver who was speeding and under the influence of alcohol.
The victims: a shattered family
The deceased have been identified as Rosa Jones, 56 years old; Kamari Graham (10 years old), who was celebrating her birthday on the day of the tragedy; Azariah McCall (9); and Arianna Johnson (11), according to local press.
Additionally, 13-year-old Jamarya Graham, who was traveling in the same vehicle, suffered serious head injuries, according to her family.
The children’s mother, Donika, was also seriously injured and remains hospitalized alongside her partner.
The family was on their way to celebrate Kamari Graham's birthday when, suddenly, their car was violently struck by a black Kia Sorento, causing the devastating crash.
A brutal impact and an escape attempt
According to the preliminary police report, the driver of the Kia Sorento, identified as Antonio Wilcox Jr., 25 years old, rear-ended the white Nissan Altima that the family was traveling in, causing it to collide with a silver Cadillac Escalade that was driving in front.
Eyewitnesses reported that Wilcox attempted to flee the scene after the impact.
However, an off-duty officer from the Opa-locka Police Department witnessed the scene and immediately alerted the authorities.
The detectives confirmed that Wilcox was arrested at the scene and is facing five charges of vehicular homicide, although more charges could be added as the investigation progresses.
Scenes of desperation and rescue
The Miami-Dade Rescue Department deployed 25 emergency units to assist those affected. Three people were trapped inside their vehicles, and firefighters had to use hydraulic equipment to free them.
One of the witnesses, José Núñez, who tried to help the victims, described the scene as terrifying.
"There was a loud bang, like an explosion. I saw the Nissan Altima spin several times. I ran to try to open the door, but it was impossible. The only thing I saw move was a woman in the back, but I couldn't help her. They had to cut the car in half to rescue the passengers," he recounted.
Ten people were transferred to different hospitals in the area, including the trauma center of a hospital in Hollywood. One of the injured children had to be airlifted due to the severity of their injuries.
The impact of the tragedy has left the residents of Miami Gardens in shock.
Throughout the day, neighbors and friends of the family have gathered at the victims' home to pay tribute and express their solidarity.
"That was incredibly irresponsible. You’re in a neighborhood with houses; why are you going 100 miles per hour in an area where the limit is 30? You were practically flying,” said Jonnique Bowden, a relative of the victims, who criticized the driver's recklessness.
"They have devastated a whole family and the entire community. No matter what your feelings were towards Donika and her children, anyone with a heart feels this pain. I just hope they recover soon, and I'm going to the hospital to be with them and help them in any way they need," said Justin Moore, a friend of the family.
Ongoing investigation
The Miami Gardens Police confirmed that a total of 10 people were hospitalized following the accident.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and testimonies to clarify the details of the incident. The driver of the Kia Sorento is expected to face additional charges, given the magnitude of the tragedy.
"Alcohol and speed were determining factors in this tragedy. Unfortunately, five lives were lost unnecessarily," said the spokesperson for the Miami Gardens Police Department, Diana Delgado, who emphasized the severity of the case.
This accident has rekindled concerns over the rise in traffic incidents in Miami-Dade County, many of which are linked to reckless driving and alcohol consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Traffic Accident in Miami Gardens
What caused the accident in Miami Gardens?
The accident was caused by a driver who was speeding and under the influence of alcohol. The driver of the Kia Sorento, Antonio Wilcox Jr., collided with the family’s vehicle, resulting in the tragedy.
What were the consequences of the accident in Miami Gardens?
The accident resulted in the death of five people, including a grandmother and her three grandchildren. It also left several others seriously injured, some of whom were hospitalized. The devastating impact has shocked the local community.
What charges does the driver responsible for the accident face?
The driver, Antonio Wilcox Jr., faces five charges of vehicular manslaughter. Additionally, more charges could be added as the investigation progresses, given the seriousness of the incident.
How has the Miami Gardens community reacted to the accident?
The Miami Gardens community is in shock and mourning over the tragedy. Neighbors and friends of the family have paid tribute and expressed their solidarity, criticizing the recklessness of the responsible driver.
What measures are the authorities taking following the accident?
The authorities continue to gather evidence and testimonies to clarify the details of the accident. The Miami Gardens Police have deployed an investigative team, and it is expected that the responsible party will face additional charges.
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