SOUTH WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT — A truck failed to stop for slowing traffic and caused a nine-vehicle crash on Interstate 291 in South Windsor, according to a Connecticut State Police crash report.
The crash happened around 7:48 a.m. Monday on I-291 West near the Exit 2 on-ramp.
Nine Vehicles and 10 People Involved
State police said the crash involved nine vehicles and 10 people.
Fire officials initially reported that eight vehicles and nine people were involved, but the state police crash report later listed nine vehicles.
According to the report, a 2016 Volvo truck owned by Hartford Distributors was approaching slowing traffic at a higher rate of speed when it failed to stop in time.
The truck was being driven by a 46-year-old man from Naugatuck. He was not injured.
Six People Injured
State police said six people were injured in the crash.
The injured included three men, ages 63, 45, and 63; a 12-year-old boy; and two women, ages 18 and 44.
One of the 63-year-old men, who is from East Hampton, was seriously injured and taken to Hartford Hospital.
The others were listed as having suspected minor or possible injuries.
Vehicles Listed in Crash Report
The vehicles involved were a 2018 Ford F-150, a 2021 Toyota Tundra, a 2016 Audi A6, a 2013 Subaru Impreza, a 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport, a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan owned by the Capitol Region Education Council, a 2016 Honda CR-V, a 2020 Ford Transit owned by Excellence In Delivery Inc., and the 2016 Volvo truck owned by Hartford Distributors.
The crash happened near a work zone on the Bissell Bridge.
The South Windsor Fire Department said crews have responded to five crashes in that area this summer.
Crash Renews Work Zone Speed Concerns
The crash has renewed concerns about speeding near highway work zones in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation said more than one-third of vehicles traveling through active work zones are exceeding the speed limit.
About 5% of vehicles are traveling more than 10 mph over the limit, with some drivers recorded at 80, 90, or 100 mph. DOT said the highest speed recorded so far is 119 mph.
“We have been hearing this for years from our crews and contractors, and that is, people are driving too fast, they are driving distracted,” DOT spokesperson Eva Zymaris said.
Speed Cameras Added Near Crash Area
Connecticut launched a permanent work zone speed camera program about six weeks ago after a 2023 pilot program showed a roughly 20% reduction in speeding.
DOT said mobile speed cameras were placed Tuesday in the area of the South Windsor crash after crews requested the technology.
The agency has also added signs, speed indicators, and road markings in the area.
“The actions you take behind the wheel impact not only you but everyone around you,” Zymaris said.
State police said the crash remains under investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact Connecticut State Police Troop H at 860-534-1000 or Trooper First Class Durant at Joshua.Durant@ct.gov.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
