A multivehicle crash near Disney World in Florida killed three members of a Massachusetts family. The Tuesday night Kissimee crash occurred 10 miles from the famed resort and theme park, at approximately 5:30 p.m., authorities said.

The accident began when the Toyota van carrying the family was rear-ended by a Dodge pickup truck, driven by Lucas Dos Reis Laurindo, 26, causing it to roll over. The van had been slowing down due to traffic, but Laurindo failed to do so, resulting in the accident.

“The impact was at full speed,” said Lt. Kim Montes, spokeswoman for the Florida Highway Patrol. “The van overturned on its side.”

Julie Smith, 41, and her daughter, Scarlett, 5, of Whitman, Massachusetts, were killed in the crash, along with Julie Smith’s mother, Josephine Fay, of Weymouth, Massachusetts. The FHP declared the family members dead.

Other members of the family are being treated for varying levels of injury. Shane Smith, 43, and William Fay, 76, were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center and are said to be in stable condition. Jackson Smith, 11, was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment of severe injuries. Montes said the boy was on life support and unresponsive. He is not expected to survive.

Shalie Smith, 10, and Skylar Smith, 5, were not injured in the crash. All occupants of the vehicle, except Shane Smith, were wearing seatbelts or child restraints at the time of the crash.

“It’s a reminder for drivers,” Montes said. “Traffic stops suddenly. If you’re traveling along, you don’t know what may be up ahead that causes traffic to slow.”

Crime Scene
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