MILFORD, CT — A 24-year-old Stratford woman was killed Sunday night when a tire came off a pickup truck on Interstate 95 in Milford and slammed into her car, Connecticut State Police said.
Investigators said the tire first hit several vehicles on the northbound side before crossing the concrete median and striking her Toyota RAV4 on the southbound side.
What happened near Exit 41 on I-95?
The crash happened around 10:23 p.m. near Exit 41 next to the Milford Service Plaza. State police said the woman was driving in the left lane of I-95 South when the detached tire entered her path.
According to the crash report, the tire then went through the windshield and roof of her vehicle. Her car crossed all three travel lanes, hit the right-shoulder guardrail and ended up in the center median.
Who was involved in the crash?
State police identified the victim as Catherine Palaia, 24, of Stratford. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The pickup truck was a Ford F-250 traveling on I-95 North, and police said its front left tire detached for an unknown reason. The driver and passenger in the truck were not hurt.
What agencies responded to the scene?
The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad responded along with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Milford Fire Department. The crash prompted a major overnight investigation and lane closures.
Police said the highway was closed for about seven hours while crews worked the scene. Southbound traffic was diverted at Exit 40, and the northbound Exit 40 on-ramp was also closed before reopening around 5:30 a.m. Monday.
What are investigators asking from witnesses?
State police are asking anyone who saw the crash or has information to contact the Bridgeport barracks at 203-696-2500. Officials have not said why the tire detached from the pickup.
The investigation is ongoing as crash analysts review what led to the deadly chain reaction on the interstate.
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