Pedestrian Seriously Injured on I-91 in Windsor After Collision

This tragic story unfolded on a chilly Saturday evening in Windsor, Connecticut. A pedestrian lost his life after a vehicle struck him on Interstate 91.

Authorities identified the victim as Santiago Jimenez, a 30-year-old man from Meriden. His night took a fatal turn after an earlier car accident.

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The Connecticut State Police started investigating what led to the heartbreaking incident. They’re asking witnesses and the public for help.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident on I-91 in Windsor

Emergency responders rushed to the northbound side of I-91 near Exit 40 shortly after 7 p.m. State police said Jimenez had already been in a separate accident on the left shoulder before the fatal collision.

For reasons police are still trying to figure out, he stepped into the travel lane. A 2012 Chevrolet Impala was coming down the left lane at that moment.

Sequence of Events Before the Collision

The Chevrolet struck Jimenez almost instantly. Both he and the car came to a stop on the left shoulder.

Emergency crews took Jimenez to a local hospital, but doctors couldn’t save him. He died from his injuries.

The two people inside the Impala weren’t hurt, according to police.

State Police Request Witnesses to Come Forward

State police are urging anyone who saw what happened to reach out. They can call 860-534-1000 with any information.

Witness accounts could help piece together a timeline and maybe shed light on why Jimenez entered the travel lane that night. Sometimes, even small details make a difference.

Impact on the Local Community

This incident hits hard, not just in Windsor. People from Meriden, where Jimenez lived, and nearby cities like Hartford, New Haven, East Hartford, and Manchester are feeling the loss.

It’s another reminder for drivers and pedestrians to stay alert—especially at night and on fast-moving roads. You just never know what’s around the corner.

Dangers for Pedestrians on Highways

Highways like I-91 run through plenty of Connecticut towns, linking places such as Middletown, Wallingford, and New Britain. They’re vital for travel and business, but they can be deadly for anyone on foot.

Unlike local streets, highways don’t have safe walkways. Low visibility and high speeds are a bad mix for pedestrians—sometimes, it’s just a recipe for disaster.

Safety Reminders for Motorists and Pedestrians

Even seasoned drivers from all over the state can run into trouble when something unexpected happens on a highway. Some basic safety tips can really make a difference:

Never walk on active highway lanes unless emergency crews tell you to.
If your car breaks down, use hazard lights and stay inside if it’s safe.
Get your vehicle as far onto the shoulder as possible and out of the travel lanes.
Always keep an eye out for road conditions and obstacles.
Slow down if you see flashing lights or any roadside activity.

The Ongoing Investigation

Police still don’t know why Jimenez stepped into the lane. Investigators will review witness statements, look for surveillance footage, and go through evidence from the scene.

Depending on what they find, there might be new safety advisories for highways across Connecticut. It’s a tough situation, and answers can’t come soon enough.

Community Response and Road Safety Initiatives

Across towns from Windsor to Bridgeport, community leaders keep raising concerns about roadside safety. They’re talking about adding better lighting in certain spots and stepping up patrol presence.

Some towns have started public awareness campaigns. Pedestrian safety sits at the top of the list, especially on routes where fast-moving cars meet unpredictable foot traffic.

The loss of Santiago Jimenez hits hard—not just for his family and friends in Meriden, but for anyone who’s ever driven Interstate 91. Connecticut faces the challenge of keeping its busy roads safe for everyone.

Here is the source article for this story: 1 seriously injured after hit by car on I-91 in Windsor

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