Crash Victims' Families Sue Zoo, City

The families of two children killed in a crash filed a suit

The families of two children who died in a tragic mishap in Bridgeport's Beardsley Park two years ago have filed a lawsuit against the city and the Connecticut Zoological Society.

On July 4, 2007, the van they were riding in rolled down a steep hill and plunged into Bunnell's Pond, killing 6-year-old Jayden Wilson, 2-year-old Julia Boyd and two other people. 

The families claim the 2007 tragedy could have been avoided if the city and the zoo had placed barriers at Beardsley Park to prevent vehicles from rolling into the pond.

The pond has been the scene of several drownings over the years and is considered treacherous because of its strong currents and sharp drop-off from shore. 

There have been 73 drownings in the pond since 1921,  according to the Connecticut Post.

A spokeswoman for Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch confirmed the city has received copies of the lawsuits, but declined to comment on the pending litigation.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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