January 1, 2015: A woman was struck and killed while crossing the Palmetto Expressway. (Source: 511 Traffic Camera)

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HIALEAH GARDENS (CBSMiami) – A tragic scene unfolded on the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) Thursday as a woman was struck and killed.

Florida Highway Patrol said Angela Johnson, 24, was attempting to cross the highway on foot with seven children and two other adults near Okeechobee Road when the group was hit by a Ford Explorer driven by Renato Rodriguez.

Johnson died on the scene and three girls were airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

“I don’t know what the kids were doing on the Palmetto Expressway. I’m upset about that,” said grandmother Berbelie Labranch.

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Labranch’s granddaughters, Lexis Burnette and Anastasia Thomas (aka Briyanna), were among the victims who needed to be transported.

She said they group was trying to get to Chuck E. Cheese’s.

Four-year-old Kayla Ross, the daughter of the woman who died, was also hurt.

“I think this is crazy. To begin the year it’s sad. All we want is peace and the year to start positive. Sometimes there’s stuff we can’t expect,” witness Anna Oliva said. “It’s crazy. I’m in shock.”

FHP said charges are pending.

Two other adults avoided injury.

Keisha Harris, the aunt of two of the victims, believes more children weren’t hurt thanks to Angela Johnson’s actions.

“She pushed them out of the way so that the car would hit her and not them. She sacrificed herself for those kids,” Harris said. “We’re just going to pray for the best and we’ll get answers on everything else later.”

Officials said the crash took place around 3:30 p.m.

The driver of the Explorer was taken to Palmetto General Hospital to be checked out.

It’s not clear if he’ll be cited.

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