Officer Killed In West Miami-Dade Multi-Vehicle Crash
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A City of Miami police motorman has been killed in a multi-vehicle accident in West-Miami-Dade.
Miami Police Chief Rodolfo Llanes identified the officer as Jorge Sanchez.
At least six vehicles were involved in the accident at SW 137th Avenue and 8th Street, plus Officer Sanchez, according to Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joe Sanchez.
"He was on his way to work. He was stopped at the intersection. He was rear-ended by a vehicle, an SUV. At this time it is an ongoing investigation. We're not going to speculate as to the speed but we can tell you that six vehicles were involved with that accident," said Sanchez.
Related: Miami Police Mourning Loss Of Fellow Officer Killed In Crash
"There were people hurt all over the place," said witness Andrew Fantin. It was kind of scary."
"A lot of people came out of businesses. A lot of people stopped. A lot of people did what they could to assist those who were injured, especially the officer," said Sanchez.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue paramedics were on the scene treating injured victims.
"The policeman got thrown to the other side [of the road]," said Fantin.
In video from Chopper4, one car was flipped over on its side while facing the wrong direction.
Authorities have confirmed that 12 people were involved in the crash. Three were considered trauma alerts, including the officer. Two remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
A total of five people were transported to Kendall Regional Hospital. Seven people were treated with minor injuries.
According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the driver of a white Infinity is who caused the accident. The car was traveling eastbound on 8th street when it ran into the motorcycle officer.
"All of a sudden this white car was tumbling through the intersection," said Fantin.
The westbound lanes of SW 8th Street are currently shutdown so drivers should avoid the area.
Witnesses of the crash told CBS4 that several Good Samaritans quickly jumped into action to help those involved.
"People started moving around, got out of their cars, helping other people out of their car," said Fantin. "There was an old lady who had a heart condition and there was a young child we had to help get out of the car."
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.