2 children dead after family’s SUV overturns on turnpike

STUART, Fla. (AP) – Authorities say an overloaded SUV carrying 12 relatives crashed over the weekend on Florida’s Turnpike, claiming three lives.

Sgt. Mark Wysocky with the Florida Highway Patrol says a blown tire caused the 2006 Ford Expedition to overturn Saturday in Martin County, on central Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Troopers say all 12 occupants were relatives from Apopka and a police report indicated half of them weren’t wearing seat belts.

Authorities say 38-year-old Uriel Miranda died at the scene and 2-year-old Yaretsi Miranda died Saturday evening at a hospital. Eight-year-old Yordi Miranda died Sunday at a hospital.

Authorities say the driver and a 7-year-old boy were treated at a hospital and released. Seven other relatives ranging from ages 3 to 34 remained hospitalized.

Wysocky said the SUV had a capacity of nine occupants.