A tragic multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 75 in Weston, Broward County, led to the arrest of 60-year-old Cira Quiñones Lewis, a Cuban national. The horrific accident resulted in the deaths of two women, left a one-year-old infant in critical condition, and injured three adults.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Broward County Sheriff's Office, Quiñones Lewis was driving with a suspended license when the deadly crash occurred.
Details of the Incident
The accident unfolded around 10:45 a.m. on Mother's Day, as vehicles traveled northbound on I-75 just past exit 19. Five vehicles were involved, several sustaining severe damage from the chain-reaction collision, authorities reported.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a driver had stopped in an unauthorized area of the highway to assist a relative whose car had broken down near the shoulder. In an attempt to reach the parked vehicle, she entered the roadway incorrectly, creating a dangerous situation amid the traffic flow.
While one car managed to stop in time, the third vehicle in line did not, causing a chain-reaction crash involving five cars in total.
Victims and Consequences
Telemundo 51 confirmed that the two deceased women were passengers in the second vehicle. One woman, aged 58, died at the scene, while the other, aged 60, succumbed to her injuries later in the hospital.
The same vehicle carried the critically injured one-year-old, who was rushed to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. The driver of this car survived.
Legal and Immigration Implications
Hailing from Guantánamo province, Quiñones Lewis was also injured and initially treated at the Cleveland Clinic before being taken to Broward County Jail, where she remains in custody as of Monday.
Jail records show she faces two charges: driving with a suspended license (first offense) and failing to return a driver's license or registration after insurance cancellation.
Beyond traffic charges, the FHP reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will take custody of Quiñones Lewis due to her lack of legal immigration status in the United States. She is under an immigration detainer.
This detainer is separate from the criminal charges stemming from the crash, and the investigation is ongoing.
The accident resulted in the complete closure of the highway lanes for several hours, with traffic resuming after 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The ongoing FHP investigation may lead to additional charges against Quiñones Lewis, depending on the findings.
FAQs on the Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-75
What caused the multi-vehicle crash on I-75?
The crash was triggered when a driver entered the highway improperly to assist a relative with a broken-down vehicle, leading to a chain-reaction collision involving five cars.
What charges does Cira Quiñones Lewis face?
Cira Quiñones Lewis is charged with driving with a suspended license and failure to return a driver's license or registration after insurance cancellation.
What is the status of the investigation?
The investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol is ongoing, and further charges could be brought against Quiñones Lewis as more information becomes available.