2 From Dedham Injured in Fatal Newton Crash

By ALEX NEWMAN (Patch Staff)

NEWTON, MA - Gregory Morin, 32, and Eleanor Miele, 57, were killed in Tuesday night's deadly crash at a restaurant in West Newton.

Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan's office identified the victims in a press release Wednesday evening.

Miele, a Watertown resident, was picking up a pizza at the Sweet Tomatoes on Washington Street when an SUV crashed through the restaurant and killed her, a relative told Fox25 Wednesday morning.

Morin, a Newton resident, was also a customer at the restaurant at the time of the collision.

Seven others were injured after the SUV did not brake coming down Chestnut Street and collided with the restaurant.

The release identified those injured as four employees and three customers. The employees are a 19-year-old female from Marshfield, a 27-year-old female from Waltham, a 34-year-old male from Dedham, and a 32-year-old male from Dedham. Restaurant patrons injured include a 44-year-old male from Newton, a 35-year-old female from Newton, and a 30-year-old male from Brockton.

Three people have since been treated and released from the hospital, according to Brian O'Dea, a spokesman for Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

O'Dea said six of the injured, including the driver, were sent to Newton-Wellesley last night. The driver was transferred to Brigham and Women's Hospital, and a man and woman were transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital.

The driver has been identified as a 55-year-old Newton man. His license has been revoked while the accident is investigated.

"Today is a very sad day in the City of Newton," Newton Mayor Setti Warren said in a statement Wednesday. "The accident that occurred in West Newton last night was a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones."

This morning Newton Police lamented the loss of the two victims, while at the same time praising the efforts of those who assisted at the scene.

In two separate tweets posted Wednesday, the police department offered condolences to the victims and their families and then thanked first responders for their help during last night’s tragedy.

Warren also commended emergency responders on their efforts in his statement.

"I am extremely grateful for the first responders who did an extraordinary job," he said.

The accident occurred around 6:15 p.m. Tuesday night at the restaurant at 1279 Washington Street.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan confirmed the two deaths at a news conference that night. She said seven others were taken to area hospitals; three were in serious condition at the time of the conference.

The fatalities were thought to be restaurant patrons, Ryan said.

Police officers and firefighters worked to remove the vehicle from the restaurant amid concerns that the roof might collapse, WCVB-Boston said last night. The network also reported that those who live in the apartments above the Sweet Tomatoes were told they could not return to their homes for the night.

The accident is under further investigation.

A vigil will be held Thursday night in remembrance of the victims. First responders, clergy and community members will meet at the Newton Police headquarters at 1321 Washington Street in West Newton at 6:30 p.m.

Photo Credit: WHDH, 7-News