Fatal crash on I-95 in Westbrook is under investigation

WESTBROOK, CT – A fatal wrong-way crash on southbound I-95 Wednesday evening is under investigation, according to Hearst Connecticut Media.

Westbrook police officers responded to a report of an accident near Exit 65 around 8 p.m

The state police public information office said Thursday morning that “fatal injuries” had been reported, Hearst reported.

According to WFSB 3-TV, the highway was closed for several hours and reopened around 2 a.m. Traffic was detoured from I-95 during the closure at Exit 66.

Two vehicles were involved in the accident.

Read the full story at Hearst Connecticut Media and WFSB 3-TV.

The news comes at a time when lawmakers are struggling to ensure road safety. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D) wrote a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Wednesday asking for details on the department’s efforts to improve traffic safety.

Murphy said there have been 245 traffic fatalities in Connecticut so far this year.

“The key issues identified are drivers driving at high speeds, ignoring traffic signs and distracted driving,” Murphy said in a statement. “During my annual walk through Connecticut, I spoke with a group of road construction workers who told me they were noticing an increase in dangerous driving behavior.”

Murphy goes on to ask what strategies are being developed to combat dangerous driving habits and how the state can better work with the federal government on traffic safety.