WATERBURY, Conn. — A 14-year-old girl was killed after she was ejected from a car after a two-vehicle crash in Waterbury early Friday morning, police announced. Five other people were injured.
"The crime is ridiculous!" said Todd Broadhurst of Waterbury.
The 14-year-old was in a stolen Hyundai Sonata with three other teenagers when it crashed with a Ford Escape at the intersection of East Main Street and Baldwin Street around 2:21 a.m.
She has been identified as Adrijana Mina, 14, of Waterbury.
Police said the Hyundai was stolen earlier in the morning in the Brookdale Avenue neighborhood.
"We did notice in the car there was a screwdriver in the car and there was some sort of cord that was hanging from the dashboard, steering column area," said Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo.
Adrian Gousby said he saw the Hyundai driving recklessly before the crash.
"The car almost hit me and it kept going and it hit the fire extinguisher and then that's when it flipped over," said Adrian Gousby of Waterbury.
Mina was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.
Gousby said he rushed to the aftermath to try and help the teens.
"She was alive, she said 'Help me, help me!' She had something stuck in her stomach," added Gousby.
A 15-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy also in the vehicle were hospitalized and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening. Another 15-year-old boy is currently in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
Police added the male driver who they believed drove the car and the 14-year-old girl who died were affiliated with a gang and known to police.
The driver of the Ford Escape, identified as a 38-year-old man, was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries that were not life-threatening. The passenger in that vehicle, an 18-year-old boy, was hospitalized in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, police said.
Chief Spagnolo said the teens who survived are expected to be okay as well as the people in the Ford Escape, but hoped this tragic incident will serve as a strong reminder for all parents.
"I would encourage parents and guardians and family members to make sure they are engaged with their children," added Chief Spagnolo.
Anyone who owns a Hyundai is also encouraged to lock their doors and install the newest anti-theft software.
The incident is under investigation by the Waterbury Police Department Crash Reconstruction Unit. No other information was available Friday.'
Waterbury Superinent Dr. Verna Ruffin released a statement following the news:
“Waterbury Public Schools was notified by the Waterbury Police Department of a tragic accident that occurred this morning July 21, 2023. This tragic incident resulted in the death of one student and the hospitalization of three students.
We mourn the death of our student and extend our deepest condolences to the family.
We hope and pray for the recovery of the three other students hospitalized as a result of this tragic occurrence.
Social workers and mental health providers will be available to offer support to students and staff beginning Monday, July 24 at WAMS during the hours of 8 am - 2 pm. Outside of those hours, students and families may also contact 1-877-536-2722 for immediate grief resources to support them during this time of need.”
If anyone with any information is asked to contact the Waterbury Police Department at 203-346-3975.
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
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