Construction worker dies after being hit by driver speeding through work zone, police say

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) - Connecticut authorities say a construction worker has died after he was hit and killed by a speeding driver while they were working on Wednesday.

Hartford police said they were called about a crash that occurred at the intersection of West Boulevard and South Whitney Street where work was being done on a Metropolitan District Commission project.

Police said the worker, later identified as 54-year-old Jose Diaz-Nieves, was hit and killed by a vehicle that was traveling at a high rate of speed through the construction zone.

Hartford police said the driver of the vehicle, 25-year-old Tommy Nguyen, was taken into custody at the scene after his car became disabled.

Nguyen is facing charges that include manslaughter, reckless driving, operating a vehicle without insurance and driving with a suspended license.

Two passengers in Nguyen’s car were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Hartford police Lt. Aaron Boisvert said the construction worker was a private contractor working for the MDC.

Nguyen was booked on a $1 million bond.

Hartford police said the crash remains an ongoing investigation.

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