Local News
Two Palm Beach County Deputies Killed, One Critically Injured in Loxahatchee Crash
Details about the vehicle involved and the condition of its driver have not yet been released.
A devastating crash in Loxahatchee on Thursday claimed the lives of two Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) motorcycle deputies and left a third critically injured.
The collision occurred in the 18000 block of Southern Boulevard, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, near Lion Country Safari.
According to initial reports from PBSO officials, the deputies were involved in a traffic accident believed to have been caused by a dump truck.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, and at least one deputy was airlifted to HCA Florida Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee.
Another critically injured deputy was transported via helicopter to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
The crash has led to an outpouring of support, with law enforcement agencies from across the region, including West Palm Beach police and the Florida Highway Patrol, gathering at St. Mary’s Medical Center in solidarity.
Southern Boulevard remains closed west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road as the investigation into the incident continues.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
PBSO officials announced they would hold a press conference at 4 p.m. to provide updates on the tragic incident.
No further details about the circumstances leading to the crash have been released at this time.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.