Teenager dead, four others injured in Wolcott crash

WOLCOTT, Conn. (WTNH) – Five teenagers were involved in a fatal car crash Saturday evening in Wolcott.

Yesterday, a few minutes after 10 p.m., Wolcott Police received reports of a car accident at 734 Spindle Hill Rd. When officers arrived on scene, they saw a car lying on its side in an embankment after hitting a tree and catching fire.

Two occupants who managed to escape the burning car informed police that three people were still inside the vehicle. That's when a Wolcott volunteer firefighter began battling the flames with a fire extinguisher while an officer pulled an occupant from the backseat through a broken window.

The 18-year-old driver and 17-year-old front passenger had to be extricated. The operator was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger was transported by Life Star helicopter to Hartford Hospital in critical condition.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.

The other three victims, two aged 18 and one aged 16, were taken to hospital by ambulance with “very serious injuries”.

Wolcott Public Schools Superintendent Shawn Simpson issued a statement after it was revealed that two of the victims were students in the district:

“Dear Wolcott School Community,

It is with deep sadness that I share this message. Last night there was a car accident. Although not all occupants were currently Wolcott High School students, all participants at one time had ties to Wolcott Public Schools. Two of the injured occupants are current students at Wolcott High School. Unfortunately, one of the other occupants involved in the accident died from his injuries. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to those involved, their family, friends and first responders.

A death is a difficult and trying situation which can generate a high level of anxiety and distress for some students. During this time, as the school community processes the tragic news and copes with grief, we will provide counseling and bereavement support services to all of our students and staff. A team of student support staff, including counselors, social workers, school psychologists and mental health professionals, will provide support to any student or staff in need throughout the coming days, starting this afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Wolcott High. School.

Your students might be affected by this tragedy, even if they didn't know the people involved. I encourage you to talk to your students about what happened. Discussing your thoughts and feelings about the situation is important to help your students cope with their grief.

If you feel your students need to talk to a school counselor, teacher, or other adult, please contact the school counseling department or school administration. This is a difficult time for all of us, but I know our students, staff and community will come together to overcome this tragedy. Again, please do not hesitate to contact the school or Wolcott Board offices if you have any concerns or questions. If additional information becomes available, we will share it as appropriate.

The Naugatuck Valley Collision Investigation Team is investigating the cause of this crash.

Check back for updates on this developing story.