A 16-year-old boy who attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School was killed and several of his classmates were hospitalized following a fiery multi-vehicle crash in Pompano Beach on Friday night, authorities confirmed Saturday.
Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit are investigating the crash, which they said occurred just before 8 p.m. in the 200 block of West Copans Road.
According to BSO officials, a preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, driven by a 16-year-old male, was traveling westbound on West Copans Road approaching Leisure Boulevard.
At the same time, authorities said a 2021 Toyota Sienna, driven by an 82-year-old man, was traveling southbound on Leisure Boulevard.
Investigators said the Toyota turned left and collided with the Mercedes, causing the teen to lose control of the vehicle.
They said the Mercedes rolled onto its roof, slid across the roadway and into the path of eastbound traffic, where it struck a 2015 Lexus RX 350. A 2021 Toyota RAV4 traveling eastbound was also hit by debris from the crash.
Deputies initiated life-saving efforts before Pompano Beach Fire Rescue arrived. All occupants of the Mercedes and Lexus were transported to area hospitals. The 16-year-old driver of the Mercedes was later pronounced dead, according to investigators.
BSO said the Mercedes had four passengers who survived — a 17-year-old female and three 17-year-old males. Their identities are being withheld under Marsy’s Law.
Authorities said neither the driver of the Sienna nor the driver of the RAV4 reported injuries. Both remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Additional information about the adult drivers is also being withheld under Marsy’s Law.
Detectives said preliminary findings suggest excessive speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have confirmed that the students involved in the crash attend St. Thomas Aquinas High School. They have not released the deceased teen’s identity as of Saturday evening.
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Source: Local10
