Two Massachusetts Men Killed, Third Arrested After Wethersfield Crash

Late Friday night in Wethersfield, Connecticut, a devastating rollover crash claimed the lives of two young men from Massachusetts. Another man now faces serious charges as a result.

The crash happened on Route 5 and 15 north, just before midnight. Police say a suspected impaired driver was involved.

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Let’s break down what happened that night, share the official police account, and talk about the ongoing safety concerns on Connecticut’s highways. It’s a tough story, but one that keeps playing out on busy roads like these.

Fatal Rollover on Route 5 and 15

Connecticut State Police said the black Infiniti G37 was heading north near exit 85 when disaster struck. Witnesses saw the car veer across several lanes and smash into a guardrail.

The impact sent the car tumbling down a steep embankment. It finally stopped among thick woods.

Victims Identified

Authorities identified the victims as Joshua Gonzalez, 25, of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Edwin Abraham Guzman, 21, of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Wethersfield firefighters found both men outside the vehicle, likely thrown clear during the violent rollover.

Emergency crews used ropes and a rescue basket to reach the victims in the rough terrain. It sounds like a scene nobody wants to imagine.

Medical Response and Aftermath

Despite rapid medical intervention, Gonzalez and Guzman didn’t survive. Crews transported them to Hartford Hospital, but doctors pronounced them dead from their injuries.

First responders from nearby towns like Newington, Rocky Hill, and East Hartford helped with traffic control and managed the chaotic scene. The accident drew a big response.

Driver Faces Charges

The driver, Alexis Joel Garcia, 22, of Springfield, had minor injuries but refused medical care at the scene. Police say Garcia failed a sobriety test and suspect he drove under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Officers arrested him and charged him with operating under the influence. He’s being held on a $250,000 bond.

Garcia is due in New Britain Superior Court on October 6. The crash forced Route 5 and 15 north to close for several hours, which snarled weekend traffic for towns like Berlin and Middletown.

Police reopened the highway only after finishing their investigation and clearing the wreckage. It was a long night for everyone involved.

Call for Witnesses and Evidence

State police want to hear from anyone who saw the crash or has dashcam footage from that area and time. They hope this evidence will help clarify what led to the sudden loss of control.

Impairment is suspected, but investigators are still looking at other factors, like speed and road conditions. There’s always more to the story than first meets the eye.

Public Safety Message

Wethersfield officials stressed the dangers of impaired driving, echoing a message heard in communities like West Hartford, Manchester, and Glastonbury. They remind drivers that driving under the influence risks not just your life, but the lives of passengers, other motorists, and first responders too.

Preventing Similar Tragedies

Crashes like this are a gut punch for everyone. Preventing future tragedies takes all of us:

Plan ahead if you’re drinking—grab a rideshare, take public transit, or find a sober driver.
Obey speed limits and adjust for weather and road conditions.
Wear seatbelts every time. They really do save lives.
Stay alert and put down your phone while driving.
Report impaired drivers to the police. It could save someone’s life.

Community Mourning

The towns involved—both in Connecticut and Massachusetts—are grieving the loss of two young men whose lives ended abruptly.

Vigils are expected in Springfield and Chicopee.

Connecticut residents are reflecting on how quickly joy can turn to tragedy, especially when impaired driving is in play.

Police continue to investigate.

Many people hope that public awareness will rise, and that future incidents like the one in Wethersfield can be prevented through education, enforcement, and a little more compassion on the roads.

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Here is the source article for this story: Two Massachusetts men dead, another arrested after crash Route 5/15 in Wethersfield, officials say

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