Tragedy struck on State Road 78 in Glades County when a car crash claimed the lives of two children, ages 5 and 7.
The Florida Highway Patrol believes the accident was caused by slick roads, which were caused by recent rain.
Troopers reported that the children were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. However, witnesses have said otherwise.
The incident occurred south of Lakeport Road Northwest on Saturday evening.
FHP reported that Tara Adams, her husband and their children were driving north when their car began hydroplaning near the bridge over Fisheating Creek, eventually sliding into oncoming traffic and colliding with another car.
Both children were pronounced dead at the scene, while the man suffered critical injuries.
WINK News spoke to Adams on Monday, who recalled her experience.
“Oh, my God, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. But I just saw people. I don’t know if I lost consciousness or anything, but I just saw people running and screaming, running towards the car,” said Adams.
Their car veered into the southbound lane and collided with an SUV. Adams described the chaos and fear she experienced.
“The last thing I remembered, before the car was just almost like gone out of control. Though, that was it before people were just running, and I heard all the noise and like the smoke from the cars and everyone screaming for more people to come help get us out of the car,” said Adams.
The collision resulted in the loss of both of Adams’ sons, Oziel and Eli. She vividly remembered the panic and desperation she felt in those moments.
“I remember saying I was screaming for my kids, asking, ‘Where’s my son?’ Because I saw one, and they were trying to get him out, but I couldn’t see him. He wasn’t in the car, and my husband had blood coming out of his nose,” said Adams.
The Florida Highway Patrol indicated that the children were not wearing seatbelts, but Adams insists otherwise.
“My oldest was seven. He doesn’t need a booster seat. He also had his seat belt on, and both of them were asleep like before everything happened, like once we started the ride, they fell asleep, so they were asleep when it all happened, but they definitely had their seat belts on,” said Adams.
We asked Adams if she was able to say anything before they died, and she said, “I’m just grateful that I can say that I truly know that their souls are resting in peace.”
FHP is still investigating the crash.
