FHP: 14-year-old crashes SUV, several seriously injured

TAMPA (FOX13) - The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that was caused by a 14-year-old driver.

Troopers said the crash happened around 7 p.m. Saturday on I-4 westbound near mile marker 4.

According to FHP, the 14-year-old lost control of the Ford Explorer he was driving after he over-corrected during a lane change. The vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a barrier wall.

Investigators said the teen's mother, 32-year-old Amanda Rossiter, was in the front passenger seat and allowed her son to drive.

Also in the vehicle was 34-year-old Louis Gabino Serrano Soto, his three young children and a 16-year-old friend of the family. All of the occupants suffered serious injuries, while the 16-year-old had minor injuries.

"They were letting the 14-year-old drive, I don't know why," said Joe Rossiter, the grandfather of the teen. 

The grandfather says he is just thankful he gets to spend Easter with his grandchildren while they recover at home. 

The teen was charged with careless driving and driving without a license. More charges are pending, FHP said.