Three dead after crash in Prospect

PROSPECT, CT (WFSB) - Three people died in a three-vehicle crash that closed both sides of Route 69 in Prospect, state police confirmed.

Four people in total were transported to the hospital, troopers said.

The crash happened at Talmadge Hill Road on Thursday morning.

It was reported at 5:25 a.m. and prompted authorities to shut down the roadway while emergency crews respond to the scene.

Multiple ambulances were requested to the scene, troopers said.

According to police, 25-year-old Cerros Nataren tried to pass 57-year-old Andrew Kozel, colliding with Kozel. Kozel ended up in the northbound lane and struck a vehicle carrying 43-year-old Jeffrey Dillon and 68-year-old Edmund Szantyr.

Szantyr, 57-year-old Kozel, and 24-year-old Andrew Joseph Kozel died in the crash. Andrew and Andrew Joseph were pronounced dead on scene.

22-year-old Olvin Nataren and Cerros Nataren sustained minor injuries. Dillon suffered serious injuries.

The crash caused power outages in the surrounding area.

Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes and expect significant delays while crews work to clear the scene and investigate the crash.

Regional School District 16, which includes schools in Prospect and Beacon Falls, said it anticipated lengthy school bus delays as a result of the road closure.

The crash is under investigation.

If you witnessed the crash or were traveling in the area at the time with dash cam video, you are advised to contact Trooper Miko #1353 at 203-393-4200 or Patrick.Miko@ct.gov .

For real-time traffic updates, check the Channel 3 First Alert Traffic map here.