9 dead and 1 injured after vehicle falls into canal

Nine people died and another was injured after a vehicle crashed into a canal in Palm Beach County, Florida, Monday night, authorities said.

On Monday night around 7:30 p.m., authorities began receiving calls reporting a car in a canal on Southwest Conners Highway near Belle Glade, Florida, Palm Beach County Fire Department Capt. Tom Reyes said in a statement to the media. Once on scene, authorities found the vehicle upside down with only the wheels visible, Reyes said.

“Last night in Belle Glade, a tragic accident occurred at the 5800 Block of Hatton Highway resulting in multiple fatalities. Sadly, firefighters confirmed that 4 victims were pronounced deceased at the scene and 6 others were transported to a local hospital where 5 more victims have passed away,” according to the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office. “We have one survivor for a total of 10 victims, including infants. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this heartbreaking incident.”

Firefighters, including divers, and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, authorities said.

The scene has been turned over to the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, which will determine the cause of the crash, Reyes said, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation remains open.