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WILTON MANORS, FL – The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has released preliminary findings from the investigation into Saturday’s fatal accident at the Wilton Manors Pride event.
It was early Saturday evening when a white pickup truck crashed into two people just before the Stonewall Pride Parade began.
According to Fort Lauderdale police, the 77-year-old driver had illnesses that prevented him from walking the parade, so he was chosen to drive the lead.
Police said the car accelerated unexpectedly, moved forward in anticipation of the start of the show, and hit two men.
Both men were taken to Broward Health Medical Center with serious injuries by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.
One of the victims was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Authorities said the second victim was expected to survive.
According to Fort Lauderdale police, the elderly driver remained at the scene and was cooperating with investigators.
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A DUI test was taken on the driver at the scene, and police said he showed no signs of impairment.
On Sunday, Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton issued a statement calling the accident a “tragic accident.”
Full statement text:
“Our local law enforcement agencies and the FBI are to be commended for their tireless work in investigating this incident that we now know was a tragic accident. Our society is still grieving for the innocent lives lost and for the gentleman who was injured. Our thoughts and prayers remain with loved ones. I would like to thank the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, the volunteers, and everyone present for their patience and understanding in the hours following the accident and now, as we are recovering as one community.”
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis also issued a statement Sunday. He did not apologize for calling the incident a terrorist attack, but said in part:
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You are an eyewitness to the horrific events. It terrified me and those around me. I reported what I saw to law enforcement and had strong concerns about what had happened – concerns for the safety of my community. I was afraid it was intentional based on what I saw from just feet away.”
“Law enforcement took what seemed obvious to me and others in the neighborhood and achieved more — as their job is. As the facts continue to be pieced together, a picture emerges of an accident in which a truck veered out of control. As a result, one man was killed, two others were injured, and the lives of two members of Congress were compromised. My heart goes out to all those affected by this tragedy.”
The authorities have not yet made any arrests, but the investigation is ongoing.
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Surveillance video shows moments after a fatal accident at Wilton Manors Pride Parade
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Two people collided with a truck, and one person was killed in the Pride Parade at Wilton Manors
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