Tragedy struck on Southern Boulevard in western Palm Beach County when three Palm Beach County Sheriff's motorcycle deputies were hit by a vehicle while conducting traffic enforcement, leading to the death of two deputies. A third deputy has been reported in critical condition. The ominous scene was captured by aerial footage which showed the wreckage of the department-issued motorcycles lying in ruin next to a dark-colored SUV.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue confirmed to WPBF that as a result of the incident, Southern Boulevard has been closed to traffic west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. Commuters have been strongly advised to seek alternate routes, as access to nearby attractions like Lion Country Safari is currently obstructed. According to these reports, the sheriff's office and onsite investigators acted swiftly, cordoning off the area to facilitate the investigation and emergency response.
In a statement obtained by WFLX, the Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash that took place near the 18000 block of Southern Boulevard. In an immediate response, the law enforcement community, including members from Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, West Palm Beach Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol, gathered at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Distress and urgency were palpable as captured in footage where a Trauma Hawk medical helicopter took off, and minutes later, landed at St. Mary’s Medical Center, where a hospital spokesman had set up a media staging area. Simultaneously, another medical helicopter was reported by NBC Miami landing at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital with a flotilla of emergency service vehicles present.
The names of the deputies and the driver of the vehicle involved in the tragic incident have not yet been released. Official sources and on-scene responders are expected to provide further details as the situation continues to unfold.
