**Worst accident of the year brings chaos to the State**
_Hamden, CT_ – A devastating crash involving multiple vehicles led to a raging fire on a major Connecticut highway bridge Wednesday morning, resulting in at least one fatality and numerous injuries.
The Crash and Fire
The fatal crash took place on the Wilbur Cross Bridge, part of Route 15, just before 8 a.m. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene as a sudden collision involving a tanker truck, two cars, and a pickup truck occurred. The tanker truck, which was carrying over 4,000 gallons of fuel, caught ablaze after the impact, and the fire quickly enveloped the other vehicles as well.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene to combat the fire and rescue trapped motorists. At least one fatality has been confirmed, but the identity of the deceased has yet to be released. Several people have been taken to nearby hospitals to receive treatment for various injuries.
The fire, which took over an hour for emergency crews to put out, generated large plumes of black smoke, which could be seen for miles.
Traffic Disruptions and Delays
The chaotic incident led to the closure of the entire bridge, and traffic was rerouted to I-91 and I-95 for most of the day. The Connecticut Department of Transportation described the accident as severe and potentially one of the worst highway incidents in recent memory. Drivers faced lengthy delays, with some commuters spending over two hours on what would usually be a 30-minute drive.
Investigation Launched
The Bridgeport Police Department is leading an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has information on the incident to come forward. They have also called on the public to exercise caution on the roads, particularly during rush hour, and to abide by all safety regulations and speed limits to avoid further incidents.
Memorial Fund
Friends and family of the accident’s victim have established a memorial fund in their honor, with proceeds benefiting local safety education initiatives. They hope to raise awareness for road safety to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
This year has seen an uptick in accidents on Connecticut’s highways, shining a spotlight on the importance of maintaining infrastructure and focusing on safe driving habits.
Connecticut Highway Accident
Traffic Safety
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