Witness who helped those injured in deadly Pembroke Pines crash says speeding is an issue in intersection
FORT LAUDERDALE — A witness who sprang into action after Friday's night two-car crash that killed one person and sent three other people to the hospital told CBS News Miami that speeding seems to be an issue in the Pembroke Pines intersection where it happened.
Two residential communities sit at the intersection of Dykes Road and 160th Avenue, where the crash happened.
Pembroke Pines Police said the two-car crash sent three people to the hospital and killed one person on the scene. Investigators said the preliminary information indicates that speed was a factor, though there was no indication of drag racing.
Cristian Ortiz, who lives nearby, was one of many people coming home from work and witnessed the car crash. He told CBS News Miami that the crash was horrific, with car parts laid scattered across the road, adding that one of the cars was split in half and that's when he noticed an elderly man lying on the ground by himself.
"I was holding his head because he was bleeding," he said. "I just told him 'Everything is going to be fine. He's coming. The rescue's coming to help you. Don't worry, just stay with us.' I just make a prayer with him."
After medics took the elderly man to the hospital, Ortiz ran over to the other car involved in the accident to check on the people in that vehicle.
"I just talked with one of the guys. Young guys," he said. "I say 'Are you okay guys? Are you fine? Is everyone fine?' They said 'Yeah, I'm fine.'"
Ortiz seemed to have agreed with the preliminary investigation, telling CBS News Miami that speeding does appear to be an issue in the area as this was the second crash he witnessed in the last month.
"Police controlling this area, giving tickets," he said. "I always say to my wife and I do the same thing don't trust only the green light just turn to the left side or the right side so no one is running so quick."
At this time Pembroke Pines police have not released any information about the people involved in this crash.
