WATERBURY, CT – A somber cloud hangs over Waterbury after a deadly car crash claimed the lives of four young men, three of them brothers, in the early hours of the morning. The tragic incident unfolded when a car lost control and violently collided with a local market, leaving destruction and sorrow in its wake.
The accident occurred just before 1 a.m. on Cherry Street, involving a BMW that veered off the road and crashed into the Hernandez Market. The impact was captured on surveillance video, showing the high-speed approach and subsequent devastation as part of the market’s roof came crashing down.
Residents in the vicinity were startled awake by the crash, rushing to the scene with hopes of aiding the victims. However, their efforts were hampered by hazardous live wires, forcing them to wait for emergency services to secure the area. One local recounted their attempts to help, acknowledging the danger posed by the unstable building.
The victims were identified as Nelson Torres, 25, Caden Torres, 20, Noel Torres, 15, and Jonathan Puska, 20. The loss of these young lives has sent ripples of grief throughout the Waterbury community, with many struggling to comprehend the tragedy.
Initial investigations by police indicate that speed was a factor in the crash. The vehicle was not listed as stolen, but the investigation is ongoing to determine the precise cause of the accident. Authorities have not yet confirmed who was driving at the time of the crash.
As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the crash, utility crews are busy repairing the infrastructure damage. The crash not only took lives but also caused significant damage to the Hernandez Market and an adjoining eatery, both of which have been closed pending structural evaluations.
The community is left to grapple with the sudden and profound loss, while questions about the crash remain unanswered. The structural integrity of the affected buildings and the safety of the area are under assessment as the investigation continues.
In the wake of this tragedy, Waterbury finds itself united in grief and support, as residents come together to mourn the loss and seek closure amid the lingering questions and sorrow.