ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. -- Five people died in a fiery crash in St. Lucie County near Fort Pierce on Friday night.
The crash happened around 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of S. 25th Street and West Midway Road.
"First it was small, like a tiny little fire, but then, then I saw someone come to rescue someone, pulled someone out and the flames engulf even more," said witness Lucas Joseph.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, three vehicles were involved and one of them was engulfed in flames. Five people from that vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.
Just some of the honors won by Anthony Martin at the bowling alley. 16 year-old Westwood HS junior was one of 5 killed in fatal crash south of Fort Pierce on Friday night. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/n06ClHHZqA
— Jon Shainman (@JonShainman) November 26, 2018
An employee of a nearby Hungry Howies was in the parking lot and took video on his cellphone.
“I was hoping that somehow the people would be saved," said Joseph.
Tanner Ray Dashner, the driver of the car that crashed into the victims' car, was critically injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
A passenger in a third card suffered minor injuries. The driver of the vehicle was not injured.
The deceased individuals are identified as Anthony Victor (21) of Fort Pierce, Anthony M. Martin (16) of Fort Pierce, Darien L. Douglas (21) of Port St. Lucie, and Alexis Chaney (17) of Fort Pierce.
Saturday night friends and family members gathered at the scene to hold a prayer vigil.
“The family is hurting so just give your loved ones a hug and tell them you love them because tomorrow is not promised,” said Jodi, an aunt to one of the victims.
Many of them brought candles, balloons, photos and one family member brought a teddy bear to leave at a makeshift memorials set up on a nearby sidewalk.
“I was just with Ant, came to the house ate Thanksgiving dinner with me, went Black Friday shopping.. he’s gone," said one friend.
As far as what led up to the deadly crash, FHP said it remains an active investigation.
Bowling Fundraiser Held For Victim
A Facebook post from a local bowling group said one of the victims is Anthony Martin, a 16-year-old bowling league member.
A tournament was held at St. Lucie Lanes over the weekend to raise money for his family. The post said more than $2,000 has been raised so far.
Investigation continues into a fiery crash that killed 5 people in Fort Pierce on Friday. A FB post shows one of the victims as local bowler 16 year old Anthony Martin. A tournament was held at St. Lucie lanes to raise money for the family. Well over $2,000 raised so far. @WPTVpic.twitter.com/reVR1Mmb4T
— Alanna Quillen (@AlannaWPTV) November 26, 2018