Three people died in a hit-and-run crash involving three vehicles on Route 15 early Sunday morning in Stratford, according to Connecticut State Police.
Police said the crash occurred around 4:50 a.m. on Route 15 South near Exit 36 in Stratford.
A preliminary investigation found that a 2012 Chrysler 200 and a 2008 Honda Civic were traveling in the right lane of the highway’s two southbound lanes.
Investigators said a 2014 Lexus ES350 was also traveling in the right lane behind the two vehicles. The Lexus then slammed into the back of the Honda, causing the Honda to crash into the rear of the Chrysler.
Police said the crash sparked a fire afterward.
Police said the Honda’s driver and two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene by Stratford Emergency Services. Authorities identified the driver as 29-year-old Maria Vasquez Chacon of Trenton, New Jersey. One of the passengers was identified as 21-year-old Joselyn Vasquez-Chacon.
Police listed the third victim as “unknown” in the crash report and only identified the person as female.
According to investigators, the driver of the Lexus fled the scene before officers arrived.
Police also said the crash damaged about 10 feet of a wooden beam guardrail along the right shoulder.
The State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad and Western District Major Crime unit responded to help investigate the crash.
The Stratford Fire Department, Stratford Emergency Medical Services, and the Department of Transportation also assisted at the scene with medical response and traffic control, police said.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Trooper Drew Smith at 203-696-2500 or by email at [email protected].