A late-night crash on Kimberly Avenue left a section of a commercial building in downtown New Haven structurally compromised, sent three people to medical care with minor injuries and prompted emergency crews to close part of a busy intersection, city officials said.
What happened
New Haven firefighters reported the collision occurred about 11:50 p.m. Monday at the AP Check Cashing location on Kimberly Avenue after a tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle collided. The tractor-trailer struck the building, causing what firefighters later described as a partial collapse and a structurally compromised exterior.
- Three people sustained minor injuries; the tractor-trailer driver required extrication by responders.
- New Haven Department of Public Works (DPW) crews evaluated the scene, removed debris and brought in heavy equipment.
- Utility crews, including United Illuminating, were called to secure utilities in the area.
Response and safety actions
City DPW Supervisor Steve Mustakos said crews brought a payloader to the scene to clear debris and make the area safer for pedestrians. "We got a payloader coming to push all the debris back up and make it safer for pedestrians," Mustakos said. Utility workers also responded to stabilize services and assess any hazard to the surrounding block.
"The place is gone. It's wild. I just see demolition,"
said neighbor Gregory Stroud, who described the damage as extensive and urged drivers to slow down in the neighborhood after witnessing the aftermath.
Impact on residents and traffic
Officials identified the intersection of Kimberly Avenue and E.T. Grasso as one of the busier junctions in the city; the crash disrupted normal travel and required a traffic and safety response from municipal crews. The tractor-trailer has since been removed from the scene. DPW and emergency personnel remained on site into Tuesday morning to clear debris and assess structural safety.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time | About 11:50 p.m., Monday |
| Location | Kimberly Avenue at AP Check Cashing (Kimberly & E.T. Grasso) |
| Injuries | Three people, minor; truck driver extricated |
| Damage | Building structurally compromised; partial collapse |
There was no immediate word from authorities on the cause of the crash. Firefighters and DPW officials continue to work with utility companies to secure the site and reopen affected sidewalks and lanes when it is safe to do so.
Residents who witnessed the crash or who use the intersection regularly said the incident underscored concerns about speed and safety at the busy crossing. City officials have not announced further investigations or permanent closures related to the building damage.
