ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. — Four Palm Beach County students were taken to nearby hospitals Tuesday morning after authorities said the children were hit by a car while waiting for their school bus.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said the wreck happened just before 7 a.m. at Crestwood Boulevard South and Cypress Lake Drive in Royal Palm Beach.
The sheriff's office said Angel Antonio Lopez, 57, was driving a 2018 Alfa Romero Stelvio north on Crestwood Boulevard South and lost control, drove onto a sidewalk, and struck four students.
The SUV then rolled over.
Three children were taken to St. Mary's Medical Center and another was taken to HCA Florida Palms West Hospital. Two of the children suffered critical injuries and two are in serious condition, according to an official crash report from the sheriff's office.
Lopez suffered minor injuries and refused medical attention.
Exclusive video from WPTV Chopper 5 showed the SUV badly damaged with its windshield smashed, front bumper crunched in, and airbags deployed, as well as deep tire marks in the grass.
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WPTV confirmed the four students attend Royal Palm Beach Community High School.
In a call to parents, Principal Michelle Fleming called the crash a "devastating situation" and said counselors and a school police therapy dog are available "for any students who may have witnessed this incident, or any who would just like to seek comfort."
Parents who live in the area were devastated to hear the news as students returned to school Tuesday after Spring Break.
"Somebody is dealing with children right now that are unsafe and in critical condition," parent Kelly Hallenbeck said.
Jenn Cohen sat in her driveway, watching over her two boys playing. She said she heard the sirens in the morning.
"It was devastating, and you get like a pit in your stomach that that could be my kids. That could be us," she said.
Residents living nearby said they've wanted a stop light at the intersection for years.
"We need a light at this intersection," Jim Bell said. "There's so much traffic going up and down Crestwood."
WPTV contacted Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach County about the issue. A village official stated Crestwood Boulevard is maintained by the county.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, charges are pending against Lopez.
