Four people, including a Newington High School senior, were killed Saturday morning in a three-vehicle crash on Willard Avenue, police said.
The accident occurred just before 10 a.m. at the intersection of Willard Avenue (Route 173) and Greenlawn Avenue, prompting authorities to close the busy stretch of road between Route 175 (Cedar Street) and Robbins Avenue for several hours while emergency crews responded and investigators worked the scene.
Newington police, firefighters and emergency medical responders arrived to find three vehicles involved in the collision. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, all four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Newington Schools released a statement identifying the victims as Gabriela Difo, a senior at Newington High School, her mother, Florinda Tineo, and her aunt, Jeannette Tineo. Both Florinda and Jeannette had other kids at the school: junior Grace Difo and ninth grader Jayriel Garcia. The victims, originally from Yamasá, Monte Plata, Dominican Republic, were nieces of Dominican Senator Pedro Tineo, per elnuevediario.
One additional person involved in the crash sustained minor injuries, according to officials.
“Our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the Newington Police Department said in a statement Saturday afternoon.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Mid-State Accident Reconstruction Squad. Police have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or whether any charges are expected.
The state Department of Transportation reported that Willard Avenue remained closed for much of the day before reopening around 3:45 p.m. Saturday. Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area during the investigation and cleanup.
Police said they will release additional information as it becomes available.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Newington police.
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