WOLCOTT, Conn. -- A crash killed three high school students en route to breakfast on Thursday morning in Wolcott.

Police told Eyewitness News that officers shut down Route 322 (East Street) after the students' blue Subaru WRX clipped the back portion of a boat being towed by another vehicle in the northbound lane at about 8:30 a.m. The car slid across the road's center line and struck a southbound utility truck, Wolcott police Capt. Domenic Angiolillo said.

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Angiolillo described the crash as one of the worst he has ever seen, saying he hasn't investigated "a triple fatality involving kids at this age."

Witnesses told police that the teens' car was speeding, although its speed and other factors in the crash remained under investigation Thursday.

"We don't have too many accidents here because it is a straightaway. Preliminary investigation shows that speed is definitely a factor," said Angiolillo.

"He went to go around the boat, clipped it, spun around, didn't see the box truck and smashed in to him. We all ran over there to see if they were alright," said Phil Sylvain, a classmate.

"We have reconstruction team from Southington PD, and through the physical evidence, they'll be able to determine the speed and the driver's actions," Angiolillo said.

"We all ran over there to see if they were alright." - Phil Sylvain Wolcott H.S. Student

Eyewitness News has learned that Anthony Apruzzese, 17, a senior at Wolcott High School, was driving the car. The front passenger was identified as Jessica Apruzzese, 14, a freshman at Wolcott High School who is the driver's sister. The passenger in the back seat was identified as Thamara Correa, 15, a freshman at Wolcott High School.

Police said that only Jessica was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

School for the day had been canceled at Wolcott High School because of a water main break.

Friends described Anthony Apruzzese as a nice guy who had a reputation for speed.

"Everyone's in shock. The kid has nine lives and this is the last one," Sylvain said. "He never hurt anyone, never hurt a fly, but he has a reputation for driving fast and this was the fifth car he totaled."

Students told Eyewitness News that Anthony got the Subaru after totaling his first car on March 31 in a wreck.

"His car split in half and both he and a friend got out safe," said junior Cassie Russeau. "I just wish he learned from his mistake."

Anthony Apruzzese first obtained his driver's license on Aug. 11, 2006, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Police have cited him for speeding in November 2006 and a seat belt violation.

In March, police cited him with driving while under the influence in connection to a crash. At that time, Anthony Apruzzese's license was suspended for 90 days.

Close-Knit Community Mourns Teens

Angiolillo said about 150 teenagers stopped by the crash scene Thursday morning, lining up at the police tape. Grief counseling was offered to anyone who needs it at Wolcott's Town Hall and the Town Green.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Eric Parker reported that within two hours of the crash, the Wolcott Town Green was overflowing with grieving students.

"We all stick together and get through it," said student Brittany Boutot.

Wolcott, which has slightly more than 15,000 people, borders Waterbury and is about 30 miles southwest of Hartford. State Sen. Sam Caligiuri, whose district includes the town, described it as a close-knit community.

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