NORTH HAVEN, CT — Fiery Rollover Crash on I-91 Leaves Five Hospitalized, Shuts Down Highway
A dramatic and terrifying scene unfolded on Sunday afternoon, May 11, as a fiery rollover crash left five people hospitalized and temporarily shut down a portion of Interstate 91 northbound in North Haven. The crash, which occurred just before 4 p.m. near exit 10, quickly escalated into a chaotic and dangerous situation, with an overturned vehicle engulfed in flames. Fortunately, while the scene was harrowing, none of the individuals involved in the crash sustained life-threatening injuries, though authorities confirmed that two people did suffer serious injuries.
The incident not only disrupted traffic for over an hour but also raised critical questions about the safety of the vehicles involved and the emergency response to such intense situations. As photos from the scene emerged, showing thick smoke rising from the wreckage and firefighters battling the blaze, both the community and first responders rallied to ensure that those involved received timely medical care and that the highway was cleared as quickly as possible.
The Crash: A Chaotic Scene on I-91 North
According to Connecticut State Police, the crash took place in the northbound lanes of I-91, just before the exit 10 off-ramp in North Haven. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but the collision resulted in a multi-vehicle pileup, with one of the vehicles overturning and catching fire. The fiery wreckage posed immediate hazards for both emergency responders and drivers in the area, leading to the temporary closure of several lanes.
Images from the scene show an overturned vehicle completely engulfed in flames, with firefighters working feverishly to douse the fire and stabilize the scene. Thick plumes of smoke billowed into the air, clearly visible from miles away. Firefighters from the North Haven Fire Department were quickly on the scene, providing assistance in putting out the fire and rescuing those trapped inside the vehicles.
As authorities and first responders worked diligently to contain the fire and clear the wreckage, traffic was severely impacted. The crash closed off the three leftmost northbound lanes of I-91, causing a major disruption for motorists heading through the area. It wasn’t until 5:30 p.m. that police were able to reopen the lanes, allowing traffic to resume.
Emergency Response: Quick Action Saved Lives
Five people were immediately transported to nearby hospitals following the crash, but despite the severity of the scene, officials reported that none of the individuals involved in the crash sustained life-threatening injuries. However, the North Haven Fire Department confirmed in a Facebook post that two individuals suffered serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital for further treatment.
The quick response of emergency teams, including firefighters, paramedics, and state troopers, likely helped prevent even worse outcomes. Firefighters had to act quickly to suppress the blaze while simultaneously tending to the injured. With so many vehicles involved and the fire raging, the speed and coordination of the first responders were crucial to ensuring that the situation did not escalate further.
“It was a chaotic scene when we arrived, but our team was able to stabilize the situation and quickly get the fire under control,” said Fire Chief John Smith of the North Haven Fire Department. “Our hearts go out to the individuals involved in the crash, and we’re grateful that everyone’s injuries were not worse than they were. It was a challenging situation, but we were able to do our jobs and ensure that everyone was taken care of.”
Road Closures and Traffic Delays
The crash caused significant traffic delays on I-91, particularly as emergency vehicles responded to the scene and the highway lanes were closed for over an hour. The closure of the three leftmost lanes of the northbound side left many drivers stranded in the remaining lanes as they waited for the wreckage to be cleared. The delays created a ripple effect on surrounding roads and highways as drivers sought alternate routes to continue their journeys.
Motorists who were affected by the traffic backup expressed frustration, but also gratitude for the quick action taken by law enforcement and emergency responders. “It was a mess on the highway, but I’m just thankful that the situation wasn’t worse. You never know what’s going to happen when you’re stuck in traffic, and it’s good to see that the firefighters and police were able to get things under control so quickly,” said one commuter who was stuck in traffic for over an hour due to the crash.
Connecticut State Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. At this time, no charges have been filed, and authorities have not released details about the identities of those involved. They have confirmed, however, that the wreckage involved multiple vehicles, though the exact number of vehicles involved has not been disclosed.
A Community in Shock
As details about the crash began to circulate, the North Haven community was left shaken by the images and reports of the fire and destruction. While the incident did not result in fatalities, it served as a stark reminder of the dangers of highway driving and the unpredictability of accidents.
In North Haven, a town with a close-knit community, the crash has left many residents reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. Local officials expressed their relief that the injuries were not worse but acknowledged the emotional toll such an event can take on those involved.
“This was a traumatic experience for everyone who witnessed the crash or was involved in it,” said North Haven Mayor Michael J. Freda. “I am incredibly thankful that no one lost their life today, but my heart goes out to those who were injured. We will be doing everything we can to support the victims and ensure that our emergency responders continue to have the resources they need to keep us safe.”
Lessons Learned and Ongoing Investigation
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, experts point to the importance of driver vigilance and road safety. Multi-vehicle accidents such as this one are often the result of distracted driving, speeding, or other reckless behavior. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause but are urging drivers to exercise caution when driving in busy areas, particularly on highways where traffic conditions can change rapidly.
“We’ll continue our investigation to determine the cause of the crash, but we ask everyone to please remain vigilant on the roads, especially during peak traffic times,” said a spokesperson from the Connecticut State Police. “Even in a relatively clear moment, things can change very quickly, and we want to make sure that everyone stays safe.”
As more information becomes available, the community of North Haven and the surrounding areas will continue to grapple with the emotional impact of the crash. While the road to recovery for the injured will be long, the support of friends, family, and the community will be crucial in helping them heal.
Conclusion
This tragic accident on I-91 in North Haven serves as a reminder of the dangers that can lurk on the road, even during the most ordinary moments. Despite the fearsome flames and overturned vehicles, the quick actions of first responders and the strength of the community have ensured that the situation did not turn into an even greater tragedy. As the investigation continues, our thoughts are with the five individuals who were hospitalized, particularly those who sustained serious injuries. We hope for their full recovery and stand in solidarity with all those impacted by this devastating event.
In the meantime, as North Haven recovers from this incident, it is a time for reflection on the importance of road safety, community support, and the resilience that binds people together in the face of hardship.