St. Petersburg, FL – Woman Killed, Six Children Hurt in SUV Crash on 34th St

Last updated Monday, February 10th, 2025

St. Petersburg, FL (February 9, 2024) – A woman lost her life, and seven others—including six children—were injured following a two-vehicle crash Thursday, February 6, in St. Petersburg.

The accident took place around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of 34th Street South and Fairfield Avenue South. Authorities say Viola McDuffie, who was driving a black Volkswagen SUV eastbound on Fairfield Avenue South, suddenly accelerated for unknown reasons. As a result, her vehicle collided with a white Saturn Vue, which was attempting to turn north onto 34th Street South.

The impact caused McDuffie’s SUV to overturn and strike a power pole on the east side of the roadway. Tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Two young children who were inside McDuffie’s vehicle suffered serious injuries and were transported to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

The driver of the Saturn was also injured and taken to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition. Four children inside the Saturn were taken to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for treatment, but their injuries were described as non-life-threatening. The St. Petersburg Police Department is investigating the crash to determine what caused McDuffie’s vehicle to accelerate before the impact.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Viola McDuffie and hope for a full recovery for the injured children and other victims.

SUV Accidents in Florida

Florida experiences a high number of crashes involving SUVs, as these larger vehicles are more prone to rollovers in high-speed collisions. Statistics show that SUV accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities due to their weight and higher center of gravity.

Here are a few key factors that contribute to SUV-related crashes:

Rollover Risks – SUVs have a higher likelihood of flipping, especially in side-impact crashes or abrupt maneuvers.
Impact Force – Due to their size and weight, SUVs can cause more severe damage in a crash compared to smaller vehicles.
Child Passenger Safety – Many SUVs carry young passengers, making child restraint systems and booster seats crucial in preventing injuries.
Intersection Dangers – Accidents often occur when vehicles misjudge turns or fail to yield, particularly at busy intersections.

If you have recently suffered the tragic and sudden loss of a loved one in an SUV accident, reaching out to a St. Petersburg wrongful death attorney can help you navigate the legal process and pursue fair compensation for burial costs, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

At Rebein Law, we know how devastating deadly car crashes can be for bereaved families. Our firm is dedicated to providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation to help accident victims secure the financial recovery they deserve. From handling insurance claims to fighting for your rights in court, we stand by our clients every step of the way.

For a free consultation, call 813-305-7285 today. Let Rebein Law help you seek justice and move forward after a tragic accident.

Note: This post is based on secondary sources, and our team has not independently verified the details of the accident. If you find any inaccuracies, please contact Rebein Law so we can update the post with the correct information. We will also remove the post upon request.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this post is to inform our readers about the dangers of driving and to provide information for people who are injured in an accident in Florida. This post is not a solicitation for business. None of the information provided is intended to be legal or medical advice. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.