SHARE

9-Vehicle Crash Closes I-95 In Fairfield; Driver Suffers Serious Injuries

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — A massive nine-vehicle crash closed down I-95 northbound in Fairfield as firefighters responded to free the driver of a car wedged under a truck early Tuesday.

Fairfield firefighters work at the scene of the multi-vehicle crash on I-95 early Tuesday. in which a car was lodged partially under a truck.

Fairfield firefighters work at the scene of the multi-vehicle crash on I-95 early Tuesday. in which a car was lodged partially under a truck.

Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department
A car involved in a multi-vehicle crash on I-95 north in Fairfield early Tuesday.

A car involved in a multi-vehicle crash on I-95 north in Fairfield early Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department
Fairfield Firefighters work at the scene of the multi-vehicle crash on I-95 early Tuesday.

Fairfield Firefighters work at the scene of the multi-vehicle crash on I-95 early Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Fairfield Fire Department

The crash occurred at 1:16 a.m. in the area of Exit 19 for Route 1/Center Street in Southport, said a statement from Assistant Fire Chief Erik Kalapir. It involved three tractor-trailers and six cars, he said. 

At least one car driver sustained serious injuries, he said.  

Engine 4, under the command of Lt. James Shiller, and Rescue 1 arrived on the scene to find one vehicle with its driver trapped under the box trailer of one of the trucks, Kalapir said. 

Kalapir took command and called in Engines 1, 2 and Ladder 2 for additional equipment and manpower, providing a total of 17 firefighters for a labor-intensive extrication operation to free the driver. 

The operation required the closure of northbound traffic so emergency crews could safely operate.

Manpower, under the direction of Lts. Eric McKeon and Rodger Caisse, used pneumatic struts and air bags to lift the box trailer, while at the same time compressing the suspension of the pinned vehicle, Kalapir said. 

A grip-hoist was used to remove the car from under the box trailer, he said. Only then could the driver be extricated, utilizing hydraulic cutting and spreading tools, Kalapir said.

American Medical Response provided medical treatment and transported the patient to Bridgeport Hospital with serious injuries, Kalapir said. 

A second driver from a different tractor-trailer was also transported to the hospital for treatment and evaluation. 

Connecticut State Police and Department of Transportation crews remained on the scene to investigate the crash and clear the scene. 

The crash remained under investigation Tuesday morning. 

I-95 north remained closed at 5 a.m., even as the state highway travel ban was going into effect due to the blizzard. 

The crash occurred before the storm hit, but snow was coming down during the cleanup operations. 

to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE