WATERBURY, CT – In a tragic accident that shattered the quiet of a Waterbury morning, four young men, including three brothers, lost their lives when a car careened out of control and slammed into a local market. The devastating crash occurred just before 1 a.m., leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake.
The incident unfolded on Cherry Street, where a BMW reportedly lost control, veering off course and crashing into the Hernandez Market. Surveillance footage captured the heart-stopping moment of impact, showing the car speeding towards the corner store before a violent collision brought down part of the building’s roof.
Local residents were jolted awake by the crash, and many rushed to the scene hoping to help. However, their efforts were thwarted by live power lines that had fallen, posing a significant danger. One witness described their attempts to reach the victims but noted the need to wait for emergency crews to secure the area, fearing the unstable roof might collapse further.
Among those killed were Nelson Torres, 25, Caden Torres, 20, and Noel Torres, just 15, along with 20-year-old Jonathan Puska. The Waterbury community is mourning the loss of these young lives, with many expressing their sorrow and disbelief at the tragic events.
Preliminary police investigations suggest that speed was a contributing factor in the crash. While the vehicle involved was not reported stolen, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to this catastrophe. The identity of the driver has not been conclusively determined.
As accident reconstruction teams work to piece together the sequence of events, utility crews are laboring to replace damaged poles and restore power to the area. The crash not only claimed lives but also inflicted significant damage to the Hernandez Market and an adjoining restaurant, both of which remain closed as structural assessments are carried out.
The community is left grappling with the sudden loss and the unanswered questions surrounding the incident. The integrity of the building and the safety of the surrounding area remain under scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
This tragic event has cast a pall over Waterbury, underscoring the fragility of life and the devastating impact of reckless driving. As friends and family mourn, the city comes together in support, seeking solace and answers in the face of such an overwhelming tragedy.