BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – The search continues for a driver who police say struck six children in Wilton Manors on Monday, killing two of them and sending the other four to the hospital. However, the Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday that detectives have located the vehicle believed to have been used in the incident -- a 2009 Honda Accord, according to News 6 partner WPLG-TV.
One of the victims is just 1 year old.
Recommended Videos
“This is truly a horrific event, especially so close to the holidays,” Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan said.
[TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
The incident occurred around 2:50 p.m. Monday in the area of Northwest Ninth Avenue and 24th Street.
Broward Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Miranda Grossman said the driver never stopped to help. Two of the children were pronounced dead at the scene.
“People from the community lifted the car off the children,” a nearby resident said through tears.
First responders arrived at the scene to find six children who had been struck.
“Our units transported four children this afternoon to Broward Health. Two were pronounced deceased here on scene,” Gollan said during a news conference Monday.
Upset family members rushed to check on their loved ones at the hospital, who according to officials are just 1, 2, 6 and 9 years old.
“The children that have been transported are in various stages, some of those are critical,” Gollan said.
As deputies continue searching for the driver involved, the victims’ loved ones are now forced to mourn the loss of their children at a time when most families are coming together to celebrate.
“I can’t imagine what these families are going through, and our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Gollan said.
The car involved in the hit-and-run crash was believed to be a newer-model, dark gray Honda Civic with major front-end damage and a detached bumper.
Anyone with further information is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.