New Haven police are investigating a crash that killed two at a New Haven gas station Thursday morning in what they call one of the most tragic accidents they've seen in a long time.
Family members of possible victims have gathered at the scene of the accident and are waiting for the bodies to be identified.
"It's kind of just devastating, because if this is my cousin... we just lost, actually we're preparing for this kid's mother's funeral tomorrow," said Monya Staggers of New Haven.
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata was driving westbound on Whalley Avenue at 5:05 a.m. when it lost control at the spot where Whalley splits with Amity Road. According to police, the driver failed to negotiate a turn onto either road. The car hit a curb, went airborne, and crashed into the canopy and gas pumps at a Mobil gas station.
"I'm amazed that he was airborne and flew up and hit the roof," Meriden resident Duane Heady told NBC Connecticut. "Must have been going pretty fast, as far as I'd see."
Two men were killed in the crash. A third man was ejected from the vehicle, but was able to walk to a nearby parking lot. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
"The person who was injured was found actually walking in a parking lot, walking around with some facial injuries, but otherwise nothing life-threatening and not that serious," said Officer David Hartman of the New Haven Police Department.
Right now, that person is in the hospital. An accident reconstruction team has spent the day looking at the crash site trying to figure out what happened.
Witnesses told investigators the car was traveling at a high rate of speed.
The crash did not spark a fire or explosion, but damage to the gas station's canopy and gas pumps is extensive. A New Haven building inspector is evaluating the damage to the gas station.
Amity Road (Route 63) remains closed while police investigate the crash.
Police have not identified any of the victims.
Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com
