Three-vehicle crash in Columbia, Connecticut, kills Willimantic woman

A late-night crash in rural Columbia has left a Willimantic woman dead and unsettled residents across eastern Connecticut.

State Police say a three-vehicle collision at a busy Route 66 intersection claimed the life of 34-year-old Carissa Kelsy Decelles. The incident has sparked new concerns about traffic safety on one of the region’s busiest commuter corridors.

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Willimantic Woman Killed in Columbia Route 66 Crash

Connecticut State Police said the fatal crash happened around 10:15 p.m. Thursday. It took place at the intersection of Route 66 and Cards Mill Road in Columbia, a highway traveled by folks from towns like Hebron, Mansfield, and Coventry.

Investigators believe three vehicles got caught up in a chain-reaction collision that proved deadly for Decelles.

State Police from Troop K, who regularly patrol this stretch linking Hartford County to Windham County, responded to several 911 calls. Callers reported a serious crash with injuries and heavy vehicle damage.

How the Three-Vehicle Crash Unfolded

Investigators said the crash began when a driver heading south on Cards Mill Road tried to make a left onto Route 66. That driver reportedly pulled right into the path of Decelles’ vehicle, which was already on Route 66.

The initial collision shoved Decelles’ car into a third vehicle heading westbound on Route 66. Troopers say that second impact caused the injuries that killed Decelles at the scene.

State Police outlined the sequence of events:

A southbound vehicle on Cards Mill Road attempted a left turn onto Route 66.

The turning vehicle entered Decelles’ travel lane, causing the first collision.

Decelles’ vehicle was pushed into a third car heading westbound on Route 66.

The collision with the third vehicle resulted in fatal injuries to Decelles.

Victim Identified as 34-Year-Old Willimantic Resident

Authorities identified the victim as Carissa Kelsy Decelles, 34, of Willimantic. Friends, family, and community members from Willimantic and nearby towns like Norwich and New London are mourning the loss of a young woman whose life ended suddenly on a familiar road.

Initial reports from the scene said Decelles had suffered serious injuries. As troopers continued their investigation, officials later confirmed she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Seat Belt Worn, Airbag Did Not Deploy

State Police noted something that’ll likely draw attention: Decelles wore her seat belt, but her car’s airbag didn’t deploy. For drivers in places like East Hartford and Middletown, seat belts and airbags are supposed to offer crucial protection in high-speed wrecks.

It’s not clear yet if the lack of airbag deployment was due to the angle of the crash, the forces involved, or maybe a mechanical problem. Troopers didn’t notice any obvious vehicle defects at the scene, but these things usually come up in a full crash investigation.

Injuries to Other Occupants and Ongoing Investigation

The driver who turned onto Route 66 and a passenger in Decelles’ car both had what police called minor injuries. Even though it was late, emergency crews from the area—used to responding to serious crashes from Columbia to Manchester—got there fast.

Both injured people were taken to Windham Hospital for treatment. Police haven’t released their names or conditions yet.

State Police Seeking Information from Public

Connecticut State Police have started a formal investigation and may do an in-depth accident reconstruction. They usually look at things like skid marks, where the vehicles ended up, lighting, and any camera footage they can find.

Troopers are asking anyone who saw the crash, or who was driving near Route 66 and Cards Mill Road around 10:15 p.m., to reach out to them. Witness accounts can help figure out details like speed, traffic signals, and whether anyone tried to avoid the crash.

Route 66 Safety Concerns for Eastern Connecticut Drivers

Route 66 cuts through central and eastern Connecticut, and drivers rely on it every day to get from smaller towns to bigger job centers. Folks from Willimantic to Hartford often mention trouble with turning, poor visibility, and tricky nighttime traffic on these undivided highways.

The ongoing investigation into Carissa Decelles’ death has put a spotlight on these issues. State Police say they’ll share more information as they learn it.

Here is the source article for this story: Willimantic woman dies in three-vehicle crash in Columbia, state police say

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