PLAINVILLE, CT — A violent two-car crash on Route 72 East in Plainville Saturday evening left three people hospitalized—one with life-threatening injuries—prompting a prolonged highway closure and an ongoing investigation by Connecticut State Police.
The crash occurred just before 7 p.m. between Exits 5 and 4A, when a Lexus CT200 traveling in the right lane collided with a Nissan Altima after the Lexus abruptly shifted into the center lane, according to a preliminary report from Troop H in Hartford.
State police say the Lexus, operated by a 37-year-old Middlefield man, struck the Nissan driven by a 29-year-old woman from Avon. The impact forced the Altima into the left guardrail, where it sustained significant front-end damage before coming to a stop. The Lexus, meanwhile, lost control, flipped, and rolled several times before landing on its side between the right lane and shoulder.
Emergency responders from the Plainville Fire Department were among the first to arrive, quickly assessing injuries and stabilizing the scene. Due to the severity of injuries sustained by a male passenger in the Lexus, Life Star helicopter was dispatched and landed on the highway to transport the victim to Hartford Hospital. He was listed in critical condition as of late Saturday night, suffering from internal trauma and multiple fractures.
Both drivers involved in the crash sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported via ambulance to the Hospital of Central Connecticut for evaluation. Authorities have not released the names of those involved, pending notification of family members.
Connecticut Department of Transportation officials closed the eastbound side of Route 72 from Exit 5 to Exit 4A for nearly four hours as police reconstructed the crash and crews cleared the wreckage. Traffic was rerouted through downtown Plainville, leading to congestion along East Main Street and Woodford Avenue.
Investigators are working to determine whether speed, distraction, or impairment played a role in the collision. No charges or citations had been issued as of Sunday morning, though police confirmed that toxicology tests and vehicle inspections are underway as part of standard protocol.
“This was a very complex scene,” said Sgt. Mark Devlin of the State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit. “Rollover crashes often involve multiple dynamic impacts, and we’re carefully reviewing vehicle positions, skid marks, and witness statements.”
This section of Route 72 has been flagged in past years for high-speed incidents and limited shoulder space, especially during night and weekend hours. Saturday’s crash is the third serious collision reported on this stretch of highway in 2025.
Residents and local officials have called for increased safety meHARTFORD, CT — A 25-year-old man was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon on Capitol Avenue in Hartford, marking the capital city’s sixth homicide of the year and deepening concerns over persistent gun violence in local neighborhoods.
Hartford Police say the shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m. outside an apartment complex located at 1063 Capitol Avenue. When officers arrived, they discovered the victim—later identified as Jared Floyd of Hartford—suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the building’s hallway. Investigators believe Floyd was shot on the sidewalk and managed to stagger into the lobby before collapsing.
Emergency responders from the Hartford Fire Department and EMS rendered aid and transported Floyd to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The scene was cordoned off for several hours as members of the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions worked to gather evidence and conduct interviews.
Police have not released details about a possible suspect or motive but are continuing to collect surveillance footage from nearby buildings and question potential witnesses. No arrests had been made as of Wednesday night.
“We’re doing everything we can to piece this together,” said Lt. Aaron Boisvert of the Hartford Police Department. “We ask that anyone with information—even if it seems minor—come forward to help bring some closure to the victim’s family.”
The shooting took place in a densely populated corridor of Capitol Avenue, just blocks away from several small businesses and residential buildings. Residents expressed frustration and sadness over the ongoing cycle of violence.
“It’s terrifying to hear gunshots in the middle of the day,” said Maria Torres, who lives two blocks from the scene. “We need more patrols and better youth programs to stop this.”
According to police data, Hartford has now recorded six homicides in 2025, a figure that mirrors last year’s pace during the same time period. City officials, including Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, have repeatedly emphasized the importance of community-led violence prevention initiatives alongside law enforcement strategies.
In a brief statement following the incident, Mayor Arulampalam said, “We mourn the loss of another young life to senseless violence. The city remains committed to enhancing safety and providing the necessary resources to prevent tragedies like this.”
The Capitol Avenue corridor has been the site of increased police attention in recent months following a series of shootings and disturbances. Officials are now looking to strengthen cooperation between neighborhood watch groups, community organizations, and law enforcement to reduce criminal activity.
The Hartford Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to call their tip line at 860-722-TIPS. All calls can be made anonymously.
asures, including more visible signage, reflective lane markings, and possible speed enforcement initiatives in the corridor between Plainville and New Britain.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is asked to contact the Connecticut State Police Troop H at (860) 534-1000.
