Crime & Safety
New Haven Firefighter Killed in New Britain Crash
Firefighter Jeffrey O'Neil was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a utility pole in New Britain.
NEW HAVEN, CT — A New Haven firefighter was killed in a New Britain crash early Thursday.
Jeffrey O'Neil had just turned 37 Feb. 1. Police and firefighters responded to the crash around 1:16 a.m. on Black Rock Avenue after getting a report that a vehicle crashed into a utility pole, police said.
Operator Yabey Oppenheimer, 37, of Hartford was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
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O'Neil suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
O'Neil was with the department for about two years and was most recently assigned to Engine 17 in Fair Haven Heights, according to the New Haven Register.
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Police continue to investigate the accident and there have been no charges filed and no determination of fault yet, police said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and woman of the @NewHavenFire dept as the victim in a recent fatal crash was one of their own.
— RIBNS (@RIBNS) February 2, 2017
RIP FF Jeff O'Neil New Haven Fire who passed away last night off duty. @newhaven825 @NewHavenFire pic.twitter.com/s1qj1UvWOO
— Manchester CT FF's (@Local1579) February 2, 2017
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact Sergeant Steven King at (860) 826-3071.
Contributed image of O'Neil
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