Newington police and volunteer firemen responded to a significant multi-vehicle accident Saturday morning.
The Newington Police Department said that four persons died in a crash on Willard Avenue at 9 a.m. The crash included three automobiles.
According to Newington police, first responders attempted to save all four victims, but they were all pronounced dead on the site.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Newington High School senior, Gabriela Difo,” said Newington Public Schools leaders in a message to relatives following the accident.
“She was involved in a fatal car accident earlier today in Newington that also claimed the lives of her mother, Florinda Tineo, and her aunt, Jeannette Tineo,” the municipality explained.
Crisis support personnel will be on hand to assist students and staff affected by the disaster when they return to school on Monday.
According to Newington police, another victim in the crash suffered minor injuries. Members of the department expressed their support for all those affected during this extremely difficult moment.
The Mid-State Accident Reconstruction Squad is investigating the cause of the crash. Anyone who witnesses or has information about the collision is asked to call Newington Police Officer Lambros at 860-594-6229.
As of Saturday afternoon, Newington police stated that no further information would be disclosed pending appropriate notifications and the ongoing investigation.
Some locals have long expressed concern that a crash like this could occur.
“It’s like a race track here sometimes,” said John LeTourneau, who lives near where the accident happened.
LeTourneau and his wife Mallory reported that speeding has been a serious issue on the road since they moved in two years ago, and it has kept their children up at night.
“Sometimes, just pulling into our driveway [is difficult] because you’re worried about a car slamming into you,” Mallory told me.
Willard Avenue between Robbins Avenue and Wilson Avenue was restricted to traffic for several hours while detectives worked the scene.
The road has since been reopened.
