Merritt Parkway Closed After Person Struck by Car in Connecticut

Early Monday morning, tragedy hit the Merritt Parkway in Westport. One man died, and state police shut down lanes for hours as they investigated.

The accident happened near Exit 42 just after 4 a.m. A driver from New Haven crashed and got stranded on the highway. Another vehicle then struck him. People commuting between Stamford and Bridgeport, who use this busy route every day, are rattled.

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Details of the Morning Crash on the Merritt Parkway

Connecticut State Police said the crash happened in the southbound lanes of the Merritt Parkway around 4:15 a.m. This stretch of highway, winding from Greenwich to Stratford, is scenic but narrow. The victim, a 50-year-old man from New Haven, drove a Chrysler Pacifica and hit a guardrail on the left side near Exit 42 in Westport.

The crash disabled his car. He got out and stood in the left travel lane. It was still dark, and that spot is dangerous for anyone.

Moments later, another driver came down that same lane. The driver tried to swerve right to avoid him.

A Tragic Chain of Events

Police said the man on foot moved right at the same time, stepping into the car’s path. The crash was sudden and unavoidable.

Emergency responders found the man had died at the scene.

The driver who hit him stayed and spoke with police. Right now, police don’t suspect impairment. The investigation is still active.

Impact on Traffic and Ongoing Investigation

The State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad (CARS) showed up to gather evidence and piece together what happened. All southbound lanes closed for hours between Norwalk and Fairfield.

Commuters faced serious delays that morning.

Highway Safety Concerns

The Merritt Parkway, part of Route 15, is a lifeline for many in Connecticut. It’s also notorious for tight lanes and barely-there shoulders. There’s almost no margin for error.

If your car breaks down out there, police from Greenwich to Trumbull say it’s safer to stay inside, buckle up, and call 911. Don’t risk stepping into traffic.

Safety Tips for Connecticut Drivers

After this tragedy, drivers from Milford to Danbury might want to brush up on roadside safety. Small steps can really make a difference.

Turn on hazard lights right away to warn other drivers.
If you can, pull your car completely off the road.
Stay inside with your seat belt on until help gets there.
Call 911 and give your location and what happened.
Don’t try to cross active lanes on foot—just don’t.

State Police Seeking Witnesses

Authorities want to hear from anyone who saw the crash or has dashcam footage from that stretch of the Merritt Parkway around 4:15 a.m. If you have info, contact Troop G in Bridgeport.

Witness accounts and digital evidence could help figure out what led up to the fatal impact.

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Here is the source article for this story: Portion of Merritt Parkway closed after person struck by car

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