On Monday, August 5, 2024, about 7:30 p.m. eastern daylight time, a 2023 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle (SUV) owned by Payless Car Rental, Inc., was westbound on Hatton Highway. The SUV was occupied by a 56-year-old driver and nine passengers ranging in age from 1 to 30 years old. As the SUV traversed an approximately 90-degree left curve, it departed the roadway, impacted and displaced a metal beam guardrail, and entered a canal running parallel to the west side of the roadway. After entering the canal, the SUV came to rest on its roof near the west bank of the canal and was partially submerged.

Most of Hatton Highway is aligned in a north–south direction. At the crash site, Hatton Highway is aligned in an east–west direction and is a two-lane, two-way, paved roadway. The posted speed limit is 55 mph. An advance warning for the left turn consisting of a left turn sign, 20-mph advisory speed plaque, and flashing amber beacons was posted 350 feet before the turn (figure 1).

As a result of the crash, the driver and eight passengers were fatally injured, including six children under the age of 15. One adult passenger sustained serious injuries. The driver and right-front passenger were wearing seat belt restraints.

​Parties to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation include:

• ​Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
• Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works

All aspects of the crash remain under investigation while the NTSB determines the probable cause, with the intent of issuing safety recommendations to prevent similar events.​