A joyful birthday celebration turned into tragedy when six people, including three young children, were killed in a fiery collision involving a semi-truck on State Road 60 in Osceola County.
The victims, identified as Andreil Anderson, Keiosha Anderson, their godsister Yahshea Mullings, and three children aged 4 months, 10 months, and 3 years, were traveling west in a Hyundai SUV on June 21 when the vehicle collided head-on with a semi-truck.
According to a crash report released by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the SUV was attempting to pass multiple vehicles when the driver lost control trying to return to the correct lane.
The SUV slammed into an oncoming semi-truck.
The violent impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames. All six passengers in the SUV, three women aged 19 to 28, and the three children, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Atlanta Black Star. The driver of the truck, a 36-year-old man from Miami Gardens, survived with minor injuries.
Tragic Details Emerge
FHP confirmed that none of the children were restrained by car seats or seatbelts at the time of the crash. Authorities also noted that the victims were from Fort Lauderdale and had been en route to celebrate a birthday.
“This was supposed to be a weekend of joy and family,” a family friend said on social media. “Instead, we’re mourning an unimaginable loss.”
The crash occurred in a rural stretch of highway where passing lanes are limited. FHP officials are still investigating the crash to determine whether additional factors—such as speed or driver distraction—played a role.
A Community in Mourning
The devastating loss of three generations of family members has sparked grief throughout the Fort Lauderdale community. The victims were remembered as vibrant young women and devoted mothers.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said one Osceola County resident who arrived at the crash site later that day. “It’s a reminder how quickly life can change on the road.”
Road Safety Under Scrutiny
This incident raises renewed concerns about highway passing practices, child passenger safety, and the risks of rural road travel.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), proper use of child restraint systems can reduce fatalities by more than 70% in infants and toddlers.
FHP has not announced whether any charges will be filed and continues to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
