Canal Guardrail Installed After Fatal Belle Glade Crash

Since 2004, at least 12 people have drowned after crashing into the canal between Belle Glade and the 20-mile Bend area on State Road 80. After a Florida accident last February took the lives of a mother and two daughters, the area will be getting a guardrail.  It is hoped this safety feature will prevent future fatalities on the road.
 
On February 12, Dieula Fenelus crashed into the canal about 8 miles east of Belle Glade.  Ms. Fenelus and her daughters, 10-year-old Midjina and 3-year-old sister Claudiz, were trapped in the car.  Midjina called 911 from a cell phone, but help arrived too late.  The three drowned in the vehicle.

Work on an 18 mile stretch of guard rail began this summer and will continue until January.  The guardrail may have already saved lives.   According to Florida Highway Patrol's Tim Frith,  the new guardrail has already been hit by cars that have driven off the road. 
 
Ten-year-old Midjina was honored at the ceremony by State Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto. The Fenelus' family was given a plaque. While an honor, this is too little, too late. The road was known to be dangerous and if a guard rail had been installed earlier, perhaps young Midjina would now be preparing for 6th grade with no thought to accidents and their consequences.
 
Do you know what to do if your car crashes into water? Palm Beach County accident attorney Craig Goldenfarb urges you to read our article, "How To Escape A Sinking Car".