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 tired 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.
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.
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