MIAMI GARDENS, FL – A tragic accident in Miami Gardens claimed the lives of a woman and four children on Sunday night, leaving the community in mourning. The crash occurred along Northwest 37th Avenue, between 131st and 169th streets, involving multiple vehicles.
According to the Miami Gardens Police Department, the fatal collision was a mass casualty event. A black Kia Sorento rear-ended a white Nissan Altima carrying six passengers, pushing it into a silver Cadillac Escalade before crashing through a fence. The impact was so severe that the Altima was left mangled, with emergency responders having to extricate the victims from the wreckage.
Speed and alcohol are believed to have been significant factors in the crash, authorities said. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with residents rushing out of their homes after hearing the loud impact. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported that several adults and children were transported to local hospitals, including one child who was airlifted.
The driver of the Kia Sorento, identified as 25-year-old Antonio Wilcox Jr., was taken into custody and charged with five counts of vehicular homicide. Police said Wilcox attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended. Investigators are awaiting toxicology results, which could lead to additional charges.
Despite the severity of the crash, Wilcox walked away with no serious injuries and is currently in stable condition. As detectives continue their investigation, they are working to answer all lingering questions about the incident.
Authorities are still trying to determine the exact number of people involved in the crash, as the Cadillac Escalade also had occupants. Some of these individuals were taken to the hospital, though the total number of passengers and their conditions remain unclear.
The community is reeling from the tragedy, with local leaders urging drivers to exercise caution and responsibility on the roads. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge about the circumstances leading up to the crash.