The widespread use of motor vehicles as transportation makes it nearly inevitable that car accidents will occur. While they can happen at any time during the year, particular attention is paid to the days surrounding holidays such as the 4th of July. Increased patrol is often employed in an effort to keep the crashes to a minimum. Nonetheless, motor vehicle accidents do occur in Miami as well as throughout the nation. In some cases they can be fatal.
One such accident occurred in Southwest Miami-Dade, the day after the summer holiday, claiming the life of an 18-year-old young woman. The incident involved two vehicles at the intersection of SW 52nd Street and SW 87th Avenue. The teen who died was reportedly behind the wheel of a Honda Accord that contained four other occupants. As the Honda attempted a left turn onto SW 87th Avenue, it was struck by a Chevy Blazer.
The resulting accident scene was a mess. All of the individuals involved were trapped in the vehicles. According to a lieutenant with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the Jaws of Life had to be used to extract them. Though the woman driving the Honda died at the scene, after being freed, all of the others were taken to the hospital. The driver of the Chevy reportedly suffered a broken leg. The nature of the other injuries is not known.
A Florida Highway Patrol Trooper indicated that the Chevy had the right-of-way. It is not clear what caused the Honda to enter the intersection when it did. What is clear is the loss of a life at such a young age is senseless.
Source: NBC Miami, “18-Year-Old Driver Killed in Southwest Miami-Dade Crash,” Julia Bagg, July 5, 2012