Sheriff: Lower speed limit in ‘deadliest’ stretch in Keys

ISLAMORADA, Fla. – A sheriff is asking state transportation officials to lower the speed limit along a stretch of U.S. 1 where four Spanish tourists were crushed when their SUV collided with a motor home in the Florida Keys.

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsey said the area where the crash happened Monday is “the deadliest two-mile stretch in the Keys.” The posted speed limit is 55 mph (88 kph) but Ramsey wants it lowered to 45 mph (72 kph).

Ramsey says the crash was so “horrific” that rescuers initially thought there were three victims inside the SUV.

Officials said the SUV was making a left turn when a truck carrying portable toilets hit it, pushing the SUV into oncoming traffic. The RV hit the SUV, which then careened into a tree.