20 Years Later: Horrific Avon Mountain Crash Not Forgotten

AVON, CT — Folks who have driven along Route 44 in Avon have always decried the hill on Avon Mountain.

It is steep. It is winding. And, for many, it is simply a frightening journey, even for those who have driven up and down that stretch of state roadway all of their lives.

Why the road causes so much consternation became clear 20 years ago last month, when on July 29, 2005, one of the most horrific accidents in state history rocked Avon to its core.

In recent days, those who remember what happened that fateful Friday morning have been reliving the horror.

When it was all said and done, four people were killed that day, with another dying three years later after being badly hurt, according to WFSB Channel 3.

Meanwhile, 23 were injured and, according to WTNH Channel 8, about 20 vehicles were involved in total.

It all happened when a loaded dump truck lost its brakes going downhill that morning.

Unable to stop, the truck plowed into morning rush-hour traffic at the Route 10 intersection like a bowling ball, crushing cars, slamming a bus, ending lives, and forever altering life in Avon.

The Avon Police Department remembered that day on its Facebook page.

"Today, we remember the victims of that tragic morning, honor the courageous first responders, and acknowledge the changes that followed," wrote the APD.

"Though time has passed, some days it feels as though it happened just yesterday. What began as an ordinary Friday morning for so many changed in the blink of an eye, altering the lives of countless individuals."

Ultimately, changes were made.

New laws were passed to tighten up safety regulations regarding trucks and a truck escape area was built featuring a long run-off area, sand, and barriers should a truck lose its brakes again.

A subsequent police probe uncovered that the truck wasn't properly maintained and it was overfilled.

The owner of the trucking company, David Wilcox of American Crushing & Recycling out of Bloomfield, was eventually charged.

On June 24, 2009, Wilcox was sentenced to prison for 10 years (suspended after six years) after being convicted of insurance fraud, manslaughter, and assault regarding the crash.

"We will never forget this day," wrote the APD. "Our thoughts and support remain with the families and communities still affected by this loss."

For the full WFSB Channel 3 report on the crash's anniversary, click on this link.

For the full WTNH Channel 8 report on the crash's anniversary, click on this link.