A 92-year-old man died Sunday after a violent three-vehicle crash at Alternate A1A and Atlantic Road in Palm Beach Gardens, according to authorities. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as Hans Homburger, who was riding in a Toyota RAV4 when the collision unfolded. The RAV4's driver was also injured and taken to the hospital, and a full traffic homicide investigation is now underway.
Crash report details
A crash report from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, cited by WPEC, lays out a chaotic chain reaction at the intersection.
Investigators say a 2017 Toyota RAV4 was waiting in the southbound left-turn lane on Alternate A1A at Atlantic Road when it turned left into the path of a northbound 2014 Dodge Charger. The Charger slammed into the passenger side of the RAV4, pushing the SUV northeast onto the sidewalk.
Behind the Charger, a 2016 Kia Soul tried to swerve away from the initial impact but ended up hitting the Charger. According to the report, both the Toyota and the Charger came to rest on the sidewalk, while the Kia stopped with its front end against the Dodge.
The RAV4's driver and Homburger, her 92-year-old passenger, were both rushed from the scene to a nearby hospital. Homburger was later pronounced dead at 7:56 p.m., the report states.
Victims treated at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
Both occupants of the RAV4 were transported to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center after the collision. The hospital, located at 3360 Burns Road, provides emergency and acute-care services in Palm Beach County.
First responders shut down lanes at the intersection while they checked on the injured and cleared the wreckage, snarling traffic as the evening unfolded.
Investigation underway
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Traffic Homicide Unit prepared the crash report and is leading the investigation into what exactly went wrong, WPEC reported.
Deputies kept lanes at the intersection closed while investigators documented the scene and gathered evidence. Authorities have not released any additional details about the crash or possible charges.
