Major Multi-Vehicle Crash Leaves 3 Dead, 3 Injured In CT; IDs Released

PROSPECT, CT — A crash left three people dead and three others injured Thursday morning in Prospect, according to state police.

The three-vehicle accident occurred at 5:21 a.m. on Route 69 at Talmadge Hill Road, state police said.

An investigation found that a 2024 Tesla Model Y was driving south on Route 69. A 2020 Chevy Silverado struck the Tesla's rear while trying to pass it on the left.

The Tesla then spun and went into the northbound lane, hitting a 2022 Chevy Silverado.

The first pickup truck then hit the Tesla a second time, with both vehicles leaving the road.

The Tesla's driver, Andrew Kozel, 57, and passenger, Andrew Joseph Kozel, 24, both of Avon Park, Florida, were declared dead at the scene of the accident.

The passenger in the 2022 Chevy Silverado, Edmund Szantyr, 68, of Waterbury, was taken to Waterbury Hospital and later declared dead. That truck's driver was seriously injured and taken to Waterbury Hospital.

Two others in the 2020 Chevy Silverado were take to St. Mary's Hospital for suspected minor injuries.

Route 69 was closed in both directions from Coer Road to the Bethany town line, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

The crash is under investigation. Anyone with information can contact Troop I in Bethany at 203-393-4200 or Patrick.Miko@ct.gov.

A utility pole was also struck, resulting in power outages in the area.

Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes and expect significant delays while crews worked the scene of the crash, according to WFSB 3-TV.

Regional School District 16, which includes schools in Prospect and Beacon Falls, said lengthy school bus delays were expected due to the road closure.