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Police Identify Couple Killed In High Speed Miami Crash

MIAMI (CBS4) – Two people were killed in a violent early morning crash that shutdown a section of busy U.S. 1 in Miami for hours.

According to Miami police Det. William Moreno, witnesses said they saw a red Volkswagen Jetta speeding southbound on U.S.1. around 4:30 a.m.

The driver of the car, 22-year old Kia Maiz, lost control near Bird Road and struck three large palm trees in the median. The impact was so severe, it brought down one of the palm trees and the engine block was torn from its mount and landed 125 feet away.

Other parts from the mangled wreckage were strewn across the road. Maiz and her passenger, 25-year old Danny Torres, were thrown from the car and died before help could arrive.

Peter Kilissanly's security camera recorded the crash. He said he's seen four serious car crashes outside his car dealership in the last few months.

"Most people come in at a higher rate of speed than the 45mph. They don't realize the fact that the curvature is as sharp," said Kilissanly.

"Devastating, I wouldn't want that to happen to me and get the news that my child was dead," said Latoya Hunter who lives in the neighborhood. "Speeding is a factor and the roads are slippery and wet also."

The northbound and southbound lanes of U.S.1 were closed from 37th Avenue to Grand Avenue for several hours but have since re-opened. Commuters stuck in traffic were frustrated after being stalled for hours.

"My Mom just told me that two people died, that's horrible," said stuck driver Serena Parmore.

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