Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection
Connecticut State Police
Public Information Office
Dr. Dora B. Schriro - Commissioner
Colonel George Battle - Deputy Commissioner - Division of State Police
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 4, 2018
Troopers Offer Reminder following Tragic Double Fatal Crash on I-91 in Hartford
Middletown, CT (July 5, 2018): Connecticut State Troopers offer motorist and pedestrian safety reminder following fatal motor vehicle and pedestrian crash on I-91 in Hartford.
On July 4, 2018 at approximately 10:30 p.m., troopers from Troop H-Hartford responded to I-91 southbound in the area of exit 27 for a fatal motor vehicle and pedestrian crash.
Upon arrival, troopers learned that a 1995 Honda Accord traveling on I-91 southbound near exit 27 in Hartford veered off the left side of the highway and struck the metal beam guardrail on the left shoulder. Upon seeing the Honda crash, a 24 year old male from New Britain parked his vehicle in the right shoulder and attempted to run across the highway, possibly to assist the occupant of the crashed Honda.
As the 24 year old male pedestrian was running across the highway, a 2002 Nissan Altima, believed to be traveling in the left lane, struck him. The Nissan then struck the crashed Honda which was disabled on the left side of the highway.
The operator of the Honda was pronounced deceased at the scene, the pedestrian was transported to the hospital and later pronounced deceased and the operator of the Nissan was not injured.
As troopers continue to investigate this crash, they are taking this tragic incident to remind everyone that the highway is an extremely dangerous place, and it is NOT the place to stand outside of your vehicle, cross the highway on foot or be a pedestrian.
If your vehicle breaks down or has a flat tire, move to the right shoulder or as far right as possible and turn on the hazard lights. Stay in your vehicle (especially if you are stopped in a travel lane or shoulder) and call 911 for assistance. Give the 911 operator your location, a description of your vehicle and reason for your call – broken down, flat tire, etc. The 911 operator will send a trooper, and they can also start a tow service or DOT safety/service patrol to help you. If you have AAA, let the 911 operator know, again they can start a tow service and they can make sure that it is AAA if available or reasonable to do so.
If you need to make or take a non-hands-free/non-Bluetooth cellphone call, send a text, adjust your GPS, etc., do not stop on the highway - exit the highway and stop in a parking lot or commuter lot.
If you need to tend to children - give them a snack, pick up a dropped toy or binky, change a diaper - do not stop on the highway - exit the highway and stop in a parking lot or commuter lot.
If there is a medical emergency in your vehicle involving children or another passenger, move to the right shoulder or as far right as possible, turn on the hazard lights and call 911 for help. Give the 911 operator your location, a description of your vehicle and reason for your call. If you need to exit your vehicle to help with a medical emergency, use extreme caution and ensure that the lane is clear before getting out of your vehicle. If you can, exit through the passenger side and tend to any emergency from the passenger side, or the side that is away from traffic.
If you choose to stop for a crash or to help a stranded motorist, remember that your safety is priority. You can’t help anyone if you yourself are struck by a passing vehicle. Troopers appreciate good Samaritans, but remember that your safety comes first. If you witness a crash or find a crash, call 911.
As troopers continue to investigate this double fatal crash, they ask anyone who thinks they may have any information or may have witness any part of the crash to please contact Trooper Anthony Fasulo #972 at Troop H-Hartford at 860-534-1000 ext. 6060.
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