A quiet morning in Easton, Connecticut, turned tragic over the weekend as a two-vehicle crash claimed the lives of two individuals. The incident, which occurred on Route 58 near Center Road, has left a small, close-knit community in shock and mourning.
Authorities have identified the victims as 58-year-old Mario Licona from Bridgeport and 87-year-old Florence Mahoney of Redding. The crash occurred early Saturday, around 7:40 a.m., when local police responded to the scene following reports of a severe accident.
When officers arrived, they were met with a horrifying sight. One vehicle was engulfed in flames, while the other was heavily damaged. Firefighters were immediately called to extinguish the blaze, while first responders tended to the victims. Sadly, Licona, the driver of the vehicle that caught fire, was pronounced dead at the scene. Mahoney, who was driving the other car, suffered critical injuries and was transported to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as catastrophic. “It was a nightmare,” one witness said, noting the chaos as emergency personnel worked frantically to control the situation. Route 58, a major artery through the area, was closed for hours as authorities investigated the wreckage and cleared the scene.
Firefighters, whose prompt response likely prevented further damage, managed to control the fire in one vehicle. However, the intensity of the crash and subsequent blaze left Licona with no chance of survival. Mahoney’s injuries were also too severe, despite the swift medical response.
As of Monday morning, the exact cause of the crash remained under investigation. Local authorities are working to piece together how the tragic event unfolded, hoping to provide some answers to the families affected by the loss.
While the details of the crash are still emerging, several factors are being considered, including road conditions and whether speed or other traffic violations may have played a role. Police have yet to release further information regarding any potential witnesses or nearby surveillance footage that could offer more insight into the moments leading up to the crash.
The deaths of Licona and Mahoney have cast a shadow over both Bridgeport and Redding, where each of the victims were known and loved.
Mario Licona, a long-time Bridgeport resident, was described by neighbors as a hardworking and kind-hearted man. He was well-known in his community for his involvement in local activities, and his sudden death has left many grieving.
Florence Mahoney, an 87-year-old Redding resident, was equally cherished. A lifelong member of her community, Mahoney was known for her active lifestyle despite her age. “She was incredibly independent and sharp,” a neighbor recounted. “It’s just devastating to think that such a vibrant woman is gone.”
This tragic accident also brings to light ongoing concerns about road safety along Route 58. Residents have long voiced worries over the frequency of accidents in the area, particularly around the intersection near Center Road, where the crash occurred.
According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Route 58 has been the site of several fatal accidents over the past decade, leading to calls for increased traffic enforcement or additional safety measures. Some have suggested that the narrow lanes, coupled with high-speed limits, may be contributing to the frequency of crashes in the area.
Local officials have yet to comment on whether this latest incident will prompt changes to road safety policies, but many residents are hoping that this tragedy will lead to renewed efforts to make Route 58 safer for drivers.
As investigators continue to work on determining the cause of this fatal crash, the community is left to grapple with the sudden and tragic loss of two of its own. For now, the focus remains on supporting the families of Mario Licona and Florence Mahoney, as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
The Easton Police Department has asked anyone with information regarding the crash to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking with drivers who may have been on Route 58 at the time of the incident or anyone who may have captured footage from dash cameras.
While the cause of this heartbreaking accident remains unclear, one thing is certain: the loss of two lives has left a deep wound in the hearts of those who knew and loved Mario Licona and Florence Mahoney.