Man Charged with DUI Manslaughter After Alleged Drunk Driving Crash Kills Two in Dania Beach

A 38-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he caused a deadly head-on crash while driving under the influence in Dania Beach on the Fourth of July.

According to investigators, the crash killed two passengers riding in the defendant’s vehicle and injured five occupants of another vehicle. Authorities allege the driver had a blood alcohol concentration of nearly two and a half times Florida’s legal limit.

What We Know About the Crash

According to investigators, the crash occurred on July 4, 2026, in the 200 block of East Dania Beach Boulevard in Dania Beach.

Authorities allege that:

• Vladimir Mushenko, 38, was driving a BMW eastbound on East Dania Beach Boulevard at a high rate of speed.
• The BMW struck a curb, causing the driver to overcorrect.
• The vehicle crossed the raised median and entered oncoming traffic.
• The BMW then collided head-on with another vehicle.

When Broward Sheriff’s deputies arrived, they reportedly observed signs that the driver was impaired. Mushenko was transported to a hospital for treatment.

According to the arrest report, a blood test conducted at the hospital measured his blood alcohol concentration at 0.197%, more than twice Florida’s legal limit of 0.08%.

Two Passengers Killed, Multiple Others Injured

Authorities reported that one passenger riding in the BMW died at the scene.

Two additional passengers from the BMW were transported to a hospital, where one later died from their injuries. Another passenger survived the crash.

The five occupants of the second vehicle were also transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators stated that a surviving passenger identified Mushenko as the driver of the BMW.

Criminal Charges Filed

Following the investigation, Mushenko was arrested and charged with multiple serious felony offenses, including:

• DUI manslaughter.
• Vehicle homicide.
• Additional charges related to the fatal crash.

The criminal case will proceed through the Florida court system, where prosecutors must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

Florida’s DUI Manslaughter Law

Florida takes impaired driving offenses involving fatalities extremely seriously.

Under Florida Statute §316.193, DUI manslaughter occurs when a person operating a vehicle while under the influence causes or contributes to the death of another person.

A conviction for DUI manslaughter carries severe penalties that may include:

• Years or decades in state prison.
• Significant fines.
• Permanent felony convictions.
• Long-term driver’s license revocation.
• Additional penalties depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Because criminal charges have been filed, the allegations remain subject to prosecution and judicial review.

High-Speed Driving Can Increase Crash Severity

Investigators allege the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed before striking the curb and crossing into opposing traffic.

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to safely respond to roadway conditions and greatly increases the force of impact during a collision. Combined with alcohol impairment, the risk of catastrophic injuries and fatalities increases substantially.

Potential Civil Claims for Victims and Families

Separate from the criminal prosecution, the families of those who were killed and individuals injured in the collision may have the right to pursue civil claims for compensation.

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26), eligible surviving family members may be able to recover damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical expenses incurred before death.
• Loss of financial support and services.
• Loss of companionship and protection.
• Mental pain and suffering for qualifying survivors.

The occupants of the second vehicle who were injured may also be entitled to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses.
• Future medical treatment.
• Lost wages.
• Loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Property damage.

Any civil claims would be evaluated independently of the criminal case and would depend on the facts established through the investigation.

Investigation Continues

Authorities continue to investigate every aspect of the deadly collision, and additional information may become available as the criminal case moves forward.

As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable traffic fatalities throughout Florida and the United States. This tragic crash claimed two lives and injured several others in a matter of seconds, leaving multiple families forever changed.

Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives and with everyone injured in this devastating collision.