KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Two teenagers were killed late Thursday after a vehicle crashed into a Kissimmee shopping center, police said.
The crash on SR 192 at 1906 W. Vine St. east of Thacker Avenue was reported after 10 p.m.
The driver of the car was going east on SR 192 when he lost control and slammed into the building, police said.
Police identified the crash victims as Sebastian Suarez-Palacio and Melanie Peguero, both students at Gateway High School. There were at least five passengers in the vehicle. One of the victims died at the scene and the second was pronounced dead at a hospital, authorities said.
Family and friends of the victims told News 6 that the two who died were a couple on their way home from soccer practice. Their ages have not been released but family friends said everyone who was in the vehicle were teenagers.
Teammates said Suarez-Palacio was an excellent player who loved to joke around.
"He was very creative . He was always laughing. He would always bring the team up if we were losing or something. He would always give us a reason to be happy," Rosario Central said.
Eastbound traffic on West Vine Street between Phillip Street and Forrest Avenue will be closed until the scene is cleared. Northbound Thacker Avenue from Oak Street to West Vine Street will also be closed.