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Baby killed, 4 seriously injured in I-95 rollover in Palm Beach Gardens

Pediatric doctor, 2 other medical professionals stop to help
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Posted at 2:32 PM, May 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-01 23:58:51-04

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — At least three children were taken to a hospital Friday afternoon after a rollover crash on Interstate 95 in Palm Beach Gardens, authorities say.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a blue minivan flipped over multiple times in the northbound lanes of I-95 at Northlake Boulevard.

Five people in the minivan were flown to St. Mary's Medical Center, an FHP spokesman said. That includes a baby boy who succumbed to his injuries.

The driver, a 23-year-old female of West Palm Beach, and three passengers in the vehicle, two females, ages 2 and 12 and a 13-year-old boy are in serious condition.

Dr. Andrew Letayf, a pediatric anesthesiologist, happened to be driving in the area on I-95 when the crash happened.

"I saw a lot of commotion on the highway," said Letayf.

WATCH INTERVIEW WITH DOCTOR:

FULL INTERVIEW: Pediatric doctor responds to I-95 rollover crash

Letayf said he spotted three children unresponsive on I-95: a boy and girl about 12 to 14 years old and a baby boy who was about 1-year-old.

"I immediately stopped the car," said Letayf. "I ran down and saw a neo-natal ICU nurse providing [the baby] with appropriate CPR."

Letayf said he jumped in and helped the nurse perform CPR and even administered a breathing tube on the baby to open up his airway.

"The baby was not breathing or responsive, but after we successfully were able to resuscitate the patient, EMS did come, provided me with some assistance," said Letayf.

The anesthesiologist said paramedics performed CPR on the older boy and girl, who eventually became responsive as well.

"The reason I got into this business of medicine is to save lives, and immediately when I saw that, immediately I stopped and ran because that is what my calling is," said Letayf.

In a truly amazing moment of chance, Letayf, a neo-natal ICU nurse, and a cardiologist all happened to be at the scene to help the patients.

"I think that's a miracle to have three different providers present at that time," said Letayf. "It's my due diligence to go and help out where I can. And I did, we all did, and it was a great team effort."

The case is still pending investigation.