A single-car accident in Greenacres has resulted in the tragic loss of an 8-year-old girl and left members of her family with serious injuries, according to multiple reports. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office disclosed that the crash occurred Saturday night on South Military Trail, near John I. Leonard High School.
As per WPBF, at around 9:52 p.m., Joel Isaias Leiniz, 38, of Margate, lost control of his 2017 Audi Q7 after attempting to avoid a vehicle in the center lane, causing the SUV to strike a concrete power pole. The sheriff's office reported that Leiniz, and two of the children, ages 5 and 11, were not wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. Only the 5-year-old was secured by a safety device.
The BocaNewsNow.com further details that the SUV rotated counterclockwise around the pole before coming to a final rest on the sidewalk, with its rear lifted off the ground due to the impact. Shortly after, the engine caught fire, intensifying an already dire situation. The occupants, including three children, were transported to a nearby hospital, where unfortunately, Zoe Alaya Leiniz was pronounced dead.
Moreover, CBS12 indicates alcohol or drugs as suspected factors in the devastating crash. The sheriff's office's report, while not confirming whether charges would be filed, pointed to intoxicants being involved. The driver, along with the two surviving children, sustained serious injuries and remain in the hospital receiving treatment.
