Early Thursday morning, the quiet in Prospect, Connecticut, was shattered by a terrible three-vehicle crash. Three people died, and three more ended up injured.
It all happened just after 5 a.m. on Route 69, close to Talmadge Hill Road. Two pickup trucks and a Tesla Model Y were involved.
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Authorities shared some details, but the investigation’s still underway. The impact of the crash has rippled through local communities.
Deadly Crash on Route 69 Rocks Prospect
Connecticut State Police said the whole thing started at about 5:21 a.m. A 2020 Chevy Silverado, heading south, tried to pass a 2024 Tesla Model Y.
While passing, the Silverado hit the back of the Tesla. That sent the Tesla spinning into the northbound lane.
At that moment, a 2022 Chevy Silverado was coming from the other direction. The Tesla and the second truck crashed violently.
Chain Reaction Leaves Devastating Toll
The crash didn’t stop there. The first Silverado struck the Tesla again, and both vehicles went off the road.
Emergency crews got there fast, but it was too late for the Tesla’s driver, 57-year-old Andrew Kozel, and his passenger, 24-year-old Andrew Joseph Kozel, both from Avon Park, Florida. They died at the scene.
In the northbound Silverado, passenger Edmund Szantyr, 68, of Waterbury, died later at Waterbury Hospital.
Injuries and Hospitalizations
The driver of the northbound Silverado suffered serious injuries and went straight to a local hospital. Two people in the southbound Silverado had minor injuries and were taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.
The range of injuries really shows how violent the crash was on that stretch of Route 69.
Impact on Local Traffic and Utilities
The collision didn’t just bring heartbreak. A utility pole got smashed, knocking out power for homes and businesses in Prospect, Waterbury, and even some nearby towns.
They had to close the road between Coer Road and the Bethany town line, which caused major traffic headaches. Commuters from Naugatuck, Cheshire, and Beacon Falls scrambled to find other ways around during the morning rush.
School Transportation Disruptions
Regional School District 16, which covers Prospect and Beacon Falls, said school bus routes got thrown off. Some students from Seymour and Oxford who attend programs there were also delayed.
Crews worked for hours to clear the scene, fix the damaged pole, and get Route 69 open again.
Communities React to the Tragedy
People all over New Haven County felt the shock as news spread on local radio and TV. In places like Hamden and Meriden, folks offered condolences and prayers for the victims’ families.
It’s just a tough reminder of how risky passing maneuvers and early-morning driving can be.
Safety Concerns Along Connecticut’s Secondary Highways
This crash really puts a spotlight on the dangers along Connecticut’s secondary highways. Commuter traffic, different types of vehicles, and not much lighting—it’s not a great mix.
Route 69, running through Prospect and Bethany, has seen several bad wrecks in recent years. People in town keep talking about what could make these roads safer.
Staying Vigilant on the Road
State police are still investigating, but they’re urging drivers to keep safe distances and avoid aggressive moves. Staying alert matters even more in low-light or tricky conditions.
- Give the car ahead of you some space—rushing never ends well.
- Passing on two-lane roads? Take it slow and double-check for oncoming traffic.
- Watch out during those early morning hours when the sun’s not quite up yet.
- Push for better roads and safer intersections in your town—it actually helps.
Thursday’s accident in Prospect shook the whole region. Families and neighbors in Waterbury, Bethany, and Naugatuck are feeling it deeply right now.
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Here is the source article for this story: Major Multi-Vehicle Crash Leaves 2 Dead, 4 Injured In Prospect
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