One of two victims killed in Newton crash identified

One of the people who was killed in a car crash at a Newton pizza shop on Tuesday has been identified. 

Family members identified Eleanor Miele on Wednesday, and said she had gone to Sweet Tomatoes in Newton when a car crashed into the building. 

Seven people were taken to area hospitals according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. 

According to Newton Wellesley Hospital, a female customer is in good condition, a female employee is in fair condition and a male customer is in fair condition. 

The driver of the car, a man, is in fair condition, according to the hospital. 

A Newton firefighter was treated for an injury and released, according to the hospital. 

The District Attorney said the driver of the car survived the crash and that all employees of the restaurant have been accounted for.

The car crashed into Sweet Tomatoes after coming straight down Chestnut Street across Washington Street without braking, according to the D.A. According to witnesses, the car struck another SUV before plowing into the restaurant. 

It did so much damage there were concerns of a possible building collapse. Those who lived above the pizza shop, could not spend the night in their apartments.

The Newton Police Department and the District Attorney’s office continue to investigate this crash.

Five people remain in the hospital. At least one person is suffering from serious injuries.

Patricia Desmond, Miele’s sister-in-law said she is heartbroken. She said she received a text message Tuesday night letting her know Miele was one of the victims of the crash. 

"I had to tell my children and my son, who, it was her godmother," Desmond said. 

Desmond said Miele lived most of her life in Newton. She did not have any children of her own, but was like a second mother to her nieces and nephews, Desmond said. 

"You just took a beautiful woman away," Desmond said. "She was the best, she was the best."

Strangers brought flowers to the site on Wednesday, offering prayers to the victims’ families. 

Desmond said she could not believe the news, and it is now beginning to sink in.

"It’s killing me," Desmond said. 

On Wednesday, Newton Mayor Setti Warren released a statement about the crash: 

Today is a very sad day in the City of Newton. The accident that occurred in West Newton last night was a terrible tragedy, and my heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. I am extremely grateful for the first responders who did an extraordinary job under very difficult circumstances last night. We will continue to work closely with the District Attorney’s officer and law enforcement officials as developments unfold."

The mayor said a vigil will be held in honor of the victims Thursday night. First responders, clergy and community members will gather at the Newton Police headquarters at 1321 Washington Street in West Newton at 6:30 p.m. 

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