In a tragic overnight incident in Wethersfield, Connecticut, two young men from Massachusetts lost their lives in a rollover crash on Route 5/15 North.
The collision happened just before midnight near Exit 85. Police are still investigating, and they’re pretty sure alcohol played a role.
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Emergency crews struggled with tough conditions as they tried to rescue the victims. Authorities are asking anyone who saw what happened to come forward.
Fatal Overnight Crash Shakes Wethersfield
State police say the crash happened when an Infiniti heading north veered out of its lane and smashed into a guardrail. The car rolled over and tumbled down a steep embankment near Exit 85.
First responders found the site dangerous and tough to reach. Wethersfield Fire Department crews eventually spotted the wreck at the bottom of the slope and found the victims nearby in the woods.
Rescue Under Challenging Conditions
Firefighters had to deal with steep, hazardous ground during the rescue. They used a rope system to lift the injured up from the embankment.
Both passengers—Joshua Gonzalez, 25, of Springfield, and Edwin Guzman, 21, of Chicopee—were rushed to Hartford Hospital. Sadly, neither survived their injuries.
Driver Arrested Following Sobriety Test
The driver, a 22-year-old from Springfield, had only minor injuries and wouldn’t accept medical help. Police suspected alcohol and gave him a sobriety test, which he failed.
Officers arrested him and charged him with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. It’s another grim addition to Connecticut’s impaired driving statistics.
An Ongoing Investigation
Connecticut State Police Troop H is digging into what caused the crash. They’re asking anyone with info or dashcam footage to reach out by phone.
Connecticut Communities Impacted
The crash happened in Wethersfield, but the shockwaves hit much farther. Fatal crashes like this one leave a mark on neighboring towns and cities—Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, Manchester, Bristol, East Hartford, Middletown, and Enfield all feel it.
It’s a tough reminder of just how dangerous impaired driving can be, and why road safety matters so much.
Alcohol and Speed: A Deadly Combination
Connecticut police keep warning that mixing alcohol and speed is a recipe for disaster. They urge drivers to plan ahead, pick a sober driver, and stick to speed limits.
It’s really about protecting yourself and everyone else out there.
Safety Lessons for Connecticut Drivers
This tragedy drives home a few key points for drivers in Connecticut:
- Never drive under the influence – Use rideshare apps, call a taxi, or ask a sober friend for help.
- Maintain safe speeds – Even a little extra speed can turn a close call into a fatal crash.
- Stay alert – Put the phone down and keep your focus on the road.
- Wear seat belts – It’s a simple thing, but it saves lives.
- Report dangerous drivers – Your call might save someone’s life.
Public Call to Action
Officials hope people will speak up and push for safer driving. Every Connecticut community stands to gain when residents look out for each other on the roads.
A Tragedy That Could Have Been Prevented
The fatal Route 5/15 rollover in Wethersfield really hits hard. Impaired driving can change lives in an instant, and not for the better.
Neighbors from Hartford to Middletown are mourning the loss of two young lives. There’s this shared hope that something like this won’t happen again.
If you know anything about the crash, please contact Connecticut State Police Troop H. Even the smallest detail could help investigators and offer some comfort to the families dealing with this loss.
Here is the source article for this story: 2 people found at bottom of embankment following rollover crash in Wethersfield: FD
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