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Victim in fatal police cruiser crash in Vernon identified

According to the police, the officer was responding to an emergency call.

VERNON, Connecticut — Police have identified the victim in a fatal crash involving a police cruiser.

According to officials, a Vernon police officer was responding to a call when the crash happened with a Nissan in the Hartford Turnpike and Center Road area in town.

Bianca Colon, 26, of Vernon, died in the crash.

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Three people in the Nissan Sentra were injured in the crash. Two were in their thirties, and the third was a child. 

According to the police, the officer was responding to an emergency call.

In a video supplied by Manchester Police investigators, the white Nissan is shown traveling southwest on Hartford Turnpike. A cruiser with emergency lights on passes the Nissan heading in the opposite direction. The Nissan gets in the left turn lane, initially behind two other cars that turn left on to Center Road and clear the roadway. A second cruiser is seen approaching the intersection at the top of the frame. The Nissan appears to pause, and then turns left immediately in front of the cruiser which also had its emergency lights on. The cruiser hits the Nissan on the passenger side of the car. The video appears to be from a security camera in the parking lot of the Vernon Police headquarters. 

The officer reported having minor injuries. In all, police said three people were taken to the hospital for treatment with the passenger of the Nissan suffering the most serious injuries.

Bill Spirer, Springfield Prep Charter School Founder & Executive Director said in a statement:

We are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of one of our Springfield Prep teachers, Bianca Colon-Hernandez, who tragically lost her life in a car accident over the weekend.

Bianca was a dear colleague, friend, and teacher at Springfield Prep, and her death is a devastating loss to our community. As we reflect on her life and mourn with one another, we are offering our students and staff members counseling and support services today and in the days ahead.

Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones, and we ask for everyone’s compassion and understanding for the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

Anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed this collision is encouraged to contact Sgt. Justin Gaudino at (860) 645-5565. Any inquiries regarding the incident should be directed to the Lt. Jamie Taylor of the Manchester Police Department.  

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