Casselberry, FL : Three people injured after a fiery car crash in Seminole County on Monday morning, August 29, 2016
A fierce and fiery car crash in Seminole County killed three people Monday morning.
It happened on Lake Drive near All Faiths Memorial Park Cemetery in Casselberry shortly before 7 a.m.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Alexander Rivera, 26. The passenger in the front seat was identified as Samisoni Koroitamudu, 22. A third victim's identity has not yet been released.
Traveling southbound on Lake Drive, Rivera, driving a Dodge Charger, plowed into a tree across from the cemetery.
Jennifer White, who lives nearby, said she could see the fire.
“I felt my husband jump up after I felt a boom,” White said.
Firefighters arrived just as the vehicle caught fire.
White said she and her husband tried to help, but there was nothing they could do.
Casselberry police said it’s possible speed played a factor in the mishap.
“I don’t see any physical evidence in the roadway of braking; usually there would be some skid marks," Sgt. William Nas said.
Those living nearby fear the crash could have been worse, since the accident happened feet away from a bus stop. The kids had left for school, but one mother said they need to change bus stop locations.
“Your kids could have been taken away with this car,” said Charleen Larson. “It is a very dangerous street right here.”
“I was devastated watching the fire burn knowing there’s at least one person who was dying,” White said.
Casselberry police agree the white Dodge appeared to have left Lake Drive and slammed into the tree without any evidence of trying to stop.
"The flames were so big, we could feel them licking our faces from across the street," White said.
Friends said Koroitamudu was a popular DJ who performed in area clubs as Big Makk.
Witnesses told police that the car appeared to be traveling much faster than the 35 mile per hour limit.
Tammy Connor, who lives nearby, said, "Those were someone's children who just died. This is senseless."
Neighbors said the road is trickier than it looks.
"You're going straight, then all of a sudden it veers off to the left, if you're not familiar with the road, you're going to go straight off the road," said neighbor Austin Drummond.
Casselberry police said they will research past traffic issues where the crash occurred and will determine if any changes are needed.
Friends of the victims plan to hold an event to remember and honor them.
Source :
2 of 3 victims' identities released in Casselberry crash