We e k ly B R E E Z E R e c ap Two fatal crashes over the weekend

Number of fatalities in Cape Coral thus far in 2023 already matches total counts for 2021 and 2022

By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

Two separate fatal car accidents took place in Cape Coral over the weekend

Crashes on Friday and Sunday night bring the total number of traffic fatalities for 2023 thus far in the Cape to 12, matching the total from all of 2022 and 2021 respectively

Cape Coral Police were first called to the 1700 block of Pine Island Road Friday night shortly after 8 p m to respond to a head-on collision Dmitriy Simankin, 53, of Lehigh Acres, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash The other driver, Justin Anthony Malanga, 19, of Cape Coral, suffered initial life-threatening injuries, but was later downgraded to non-life-threatening, according to police

CCPD Major Crash Investigator George Schwigk's

Boulevard traveling east on Southwest Pine Island Road in the inside westbound lane Malanga was west on Southwest Pine Island Road, in the inside westbound lane, just west of Chiquita Boulevard The report states t h a t t h

Malanga's Toyota Corolla head-on

Schwigk's report states Simankin was pinned inside the vehicle, was extracted, and taken to the hospital where he died

Police said the crash is alcohol/drug related, and that speed is an unknown factor in the crash

On Sunday just after 9 p m , Pablo Rene Perez Viera, 59, of Cope Coral, failed to slow down or move over for a parked vehicle with its hazard lights on and rear-ended

a DT466 Box Truck

According to CCPD Investigator Stephen Leonard's report, Viera failed to slow down and move over for the parked vehicle, and the front bumper of his Toyota Corolla crashed into the back of the truck

Viera was trauma alerted to Gulf Coast Hospital via ambulance, and eventually died as a result of the crash

The truck was unoccupied at the time of the incident

Police said both crashes involved drugs and/or alcohol CCPD asks if anyone witnessed or has information about either crash, to contact the department by calling 239-574-3223, or by submitting a tip via email to CCPDtips@capecoral gov

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477