A devastating accident occurred on Sunday morning on Interstate 84 in Danbury, resulting in the loss of two lives. The incident involved a Lexus, a disabled Hyundai, and a tractor-trailer. Around 6:30 a.m., the Lexus struck the stationary Hyundai, which had earlier collided with a guardrail. This caused the Hyundai to spin into the path of an oncoming tractor-trailer. Both victims were from Danbury, and one was about to celebrate his 37th birthday the following day. Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, which led to significant traffic disruptions.
The tragic event unfolded when a 55-year-old driver from Avon was traveling westbound in the left lane of I-84 near Exit 8. Ahead, a Hyundai Tiburon had become immobilized after veering off course and hitting a guardrail. It is believed that one or more passengers exited the vehicle following this initial collision. As the Lexus approached, it collided with the Hyundai, causing it to spin across lanes and directly into the path of a Freightliner tractor-trailer moving in the right lane.
The impact proved fatal for Ronald Omar Tello, aged 27, who appeared to be outside the Hyundai at the time of the collision. Another victim, Carlos Jimenez Molina, 36, was reportedly inside the vehicle. Both men resided in Danbury. The Hyundai's driver, a 21-year-old woman from Jamaica, New York, sustained minor injuries. Fortunately, the drivers of the tractor-trailer and Lexus, along with a passenger in the tractor-trailer, escaped without injury.
In response to this catastrophic incident, multiple emergency agencies were dispatched to the scene. The westbound lanes of I-84 were closed for an extended period while investigators assessed the situation. The state police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad has taken over the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with dash camera footage or witnesses to come forward with information to aid in their inquiry.
This heartbreaking accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by disabled vehicles on highways. The closure of I-84 and the ongoing investigation underscore the complexity and seriousness of such incidents. As the community mourns the loss of two individuals, efforts continue to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this tragedy.