On Saturday night, a severe collision on Interstate 691 in Southington left one driver with serious injuries. Three others went to the hospital with minor injuries.
The crash happened near Exit 5 just before 10 p.m. A westbound Chevrolet Silverado and an eastbound Acura TL were involved after the Acura suddenly crossed the center median into oncoming traffic.
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State police are investigating what led to this dramatic incident. It’s got drivers across Connecticut worried about highway safety again.
Serious Crash in Southington Disrupts Evening Traffic
Connecticut State Police said the crash happened around 9:40 p.m. on a busy stretch of I-691. Traffic in both directions slowed for hours while emergency crews and investigators worked to clear the scene and collect evidence.
For many Southington motorists—plus commuters between Meriden and Cheshire—it was a harsh reminder of how fast a normal drive can turn dangerous. Nobody expects a routine trip to end this way.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Collision
Investigators say the chain of events began when the Acura TL, heading eastbound, crossed all eastbound travel lanes for reasons that aren’t clear yet. The car entered the grassy center median, meant to act as a protective buffer, and then veered into the westbound lanes.
At that point, the Acura collided head-on with the Chevrolet Silverado. Both vehicles suffered heavy damage from the impact.
The driver of the Acura was badly hurt and rushed to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. Three people in the Silverado ended up with non-life-threatening injuries and also went to the hospital.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Authorities haven’t figured out the exact cause of the crash yet. They’re still considering factors like mechanical failure, driver impairment, or a possible medical emergency.
State troopers are reviewing evidence from the crash site and talking to witnesses who were nearby when it happened. There’s a lot they still need to sort out.
Highway Safety Concerns Across Connecticut
This crash has sparked more talk about highway safety, especially on high-speed routes like I-691 that connect Southington, Meriden, Cheshire, and Middletown. Connecticut drivers have seen more multi-vehicle crashes lately, including ones on I-84 in Hartford and I-95 in Bridgeport and New Haven.
State police keep reminding drivers to wear seat belts, stay alert, and avoid distractions behind the wheel. It’s advice we all know, but sometimes forget.
Community Impact and Local Response
Word of the crash spread quickly on social media throughout central Connecticut. Residents from Bristol, Plainville, and New Britain shared their concerns about safety on this stretch of I-691, especially since there have been several recent collisions there.
Travel delays on Saturday evening also threw off plans for folks heading to events in nearby towns. It’s a ripple effect nobody wants.
Safety Tips for Connecticut Drivers
While the details of this case are still coming together, driver safety experts suggest a few tips to help avoid similar tragedies:
- Stay aware of your surroundings and try to spot potential hazards early.
- Slow down at night or when the weather’s bad.
- Keep extra space between your vehicle and others, especially on the highway.
- Check that your brakes, tires, and steering are in good shape.
- Don’t drive if you’re tired or distracted.
Looking Ahead
The aftermath of the Southington crash really hits home—accidents can happen in a split second, even on roads you drive every day.
Police are asking anyone who saw the collision or caught it on a dashcam to reach out to the Connecticut State Police Troop H barracks.
Investigators want to figure out if driver error, mechanical trouble, or something else caused the Acura TL to veer into oncoming traffic.
For now, folks from Southington to Hartford can’t help but think about how much safe driving matters, especially with the way people fly down the highway.
Keep an eye on local news for updates on this story and other traffic safety issues affecting Connecticut drivers.
Here is the source article for this story: Serious injuries reported after accident along I-691 in Southington
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