Driver ejected and killed after car bursts into flames in wrong-way chase on US 1

A high-speed chase involving a wrong-way driver ended in a fiery crash on U.S. 1 near Jonathan Dickinson State Park, leaving the driver dead and four others injured. Authorities said the incident began more than 16 miles south in Palm Beach County when Border Patrol spotted a driver heading the wrong way on U.S. 1 near Riviera Beach. The driver continued traveling the wrong way at high speeds for 16 miles before the chase ended in a crash near the park entrance. "Let me be clear about that, that 16 miles of U.S. 1. He drove the wrong way all 16 miles," Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said. Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25Border Patrol initially encountered the driver, followed by involvement from Juno Beach police and Jupiter police. Investigators said Jupiter Police deployed stop sticks, deflating one of the vehicle’s tires. The driver then allegedly attempted to hit an officer before continuing north into Martin County. "We're talking about a crash that took place almost a quarter of a mile behind me, and there's pieces of it that are further north than where we are. So we're talking about it's safe to say we're over 100 miles an hour at impact at this crossing," Budensiek said. Deputies said the driver eventually collided head-on with two vehicles. A 6-year-old was airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center with significant injuries, while another child was transported by ground with minor injuries. Two adults were also hurt, one with significant injuries. The suspect’s vehicle veered off the road, crashed into the woods, and caught fire. "Car burst into flames and, car burned to the ground. Suspect was ejected. They did CPR, and he's since passed away," Budensiek said. The driver, who was ejected from the vehicle, has not been identified. Deputies said no driver’s license or ID was found at the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol is now leading the crash investigation.Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.