MANCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) — Manchester police are investigating what may have caused a crash that killed three people and injured two others early Saturday morning.
At 1:21 a.m., Manchester police responded to Center Street at the intersection of Fairview Street on reports of a crash.
“The vehicle caught fire upon impact and it was heavily engulfed upon our arrival,” said Captain Chris Davis of the Manchester Police Department.
Loved ones created a memorial at the site of the accident with flowers, candles and balloons. A large group of people gathered for a vigil on Saturday night to remember and to grieve.
Friends of the victims tell News 8 that one of the victims was a Manchester High School student, while the other two were former students. Hennessy Maldonado, a friend of the victims, spoke about how the families are coping with the news.
I don’t know how they’re holding up, but I know it’s hard; especially for a mom to bury her son. I personally wouldn’t be able to do it. It’s going to be tough to go to school.”
The identities of the crash victims have not yet been released, as their families are still being notified. The two passengers in the front of the car survived, but the three in the backseat were killed.
“I went down and there’s nothing I could have done to save anyone,” said Nancy Santiago, a neighbor. “The car was in flames.”
Memorial on Center St in #manchester where 3 people were killed in a crash early this morning @WTNH pic.twitter.com/7Eiasn7LrW
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) May 20, 2017
Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Loved ones say it still does not seem real.
“I just spoke with him on Monday,” said Maldonado. “I didn’t think that would be the last time we would talk.”
Friends of the 3 people killed in a car accident in #Manchester early this morning say there will be a vigil tonight @WTNH pic.twitter.com/JQ8g1MysHB
— Renee Chmiel (@ReneeChmiel) May 20, 2017
If you witnessed this crash, or have any information that could help officers in their investigation, you’re asked to call Manchester police at 860-645-5560.
