MILFORD, CT — A detached tire crossing the median on Interstate 95 set off a deadly crash in Milford late Sunday night, closing the highway for hours and leaving one Stratford woman dead. State police said the vehicle involved was a Toyota RAV4 traveling southbound when the tire entered its path.
The crash happened at 10:23 p.m. near Exit 41 and shut down both sides of the highway while investigators and emergency crews responded.
How did the crash happen on I-95?
According to state police, the tire separated from a pickup truck traveling on the opposite side of the highway. It crossed over the concrete median barrier and hit the Toyota’s windshield and roof.
The impact caused the SUV to veer right, cross all lanes, strike a metal beam guardrail on the shoulder, then move back across the roadway before stopping in the center median.
Who was killed in the Milford collision?
State police identified the victim as Catherine Palaia, 24, of Stratford. She was declared dead at the scene.
The two people in the pickup truck were not injured, authorities said.
What was the impact on traffic and emergency response?
The highway remained closed for seven hours after the crash, affecting southbound and northbound travel near the Milford exit. The shutdown lasted through the night into Monday morning.
The Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Squad, the Department of Transportation and the Milford Fire Department all responded to assist with the investigation and roadway work.
What happens next in the investigation?
State police said the investigation remains ongoing. Troop G is handling the case and is asking anyone with information about the crash to call 203-696-2500.
Officials did not immediately release additional details about the pickup truck or why the tire detached.
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