Wrong-Way Crash on Wethersfield Highway Kills Woman

A tragic wrong-way crash in Wethersfield has left one woman dead. The incident has sparked a new round of concern over highway safety in Central Connecticut.

Authorities say a driver heading the wrong direction on Route 5/15 struck another vehicle head-on near Exit 85. The crash proved fatal despite rapid emergency response and medical care.

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Wrong-Way Crash Claims Life on Route 5/15 in Wethersfield

Connecticut State Police say the crash happened Saturday on the southbound side of Route 5/15. This spot sits not far from where commuters from towns like Hartford, Newington, and Rocky Hill regularly merge onto the busy corridor.

The impact shut down portions of the highway. Troopers, firefighters, and EMS crews rushed in to treat the injured and secure the scene.

Investigators are now trying to figure out how a vehicle ended up traveling the wrong way on a limited-access road. Route 5/15 links communities from East Hartford to Middletown and serves drivers heading toward New Haven and beyond.

Driver Identified as Manchester Woman

State Police say the wrong-way vehicle was a Toyota traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Route 5/15 near Exit 85 in Wethersfield. They’ve identified the driver as 30-year-old Wendy Lara of Manchester.

Lara’s Toyota collided head-on with a southbound Honda. The crash caused severe damage to both vehicles, scattering debris across travel lanes and forcing a lengthy closure while crews worked the scene.

Life-Threatening Injuries Prove Fatal

Emergency responders arrived quickly and found Lara with what they described as life-threatening injuries. They transported her to a nearby hospital, where medical teams tried to stabilize her.

Despite their efforts, authorities say she later died from the injuries she suffered in the crash.

For many in Manchester and neighboring communities like Glastonbury and Bloomfield, the news hits hard. It’s a stark reminder of how suddenly tragedy can strike on familiar roads.

Occupants of Honda Suffer Minor Injuries

The Honda was traveling southbound in the proper direction when the Toyota struck it head-on. State Police report that the driver and passenger of the Honda suffered minor injuries in the collision.

Both were taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Authorities haven’t released their names, but say their injuries aren’t believed to be life-threatening.

State Police Investigation Underway

Connecticut State Police have launched a full investigation into the wrong-way crash. Incidents like this have plagued several stretches of highway in recent years, including routes used by residents of West Hartford, Bristol, and Meriden.

Troopers are working to determine how and where Lara entered the highway in the wrong direction. They’re also looking into whether impairment, distraction, or speed played a role.

At this point, investigators haven’t released any further details. It may take a while before a full picture of what led up to the deadly collision comes together.

Police Ask Witnesses to Come Forward

Authorities are turning to the public for help as they reconstruct the moments before the crash. State Police are asking anyone who saw the Toyota traveling the wrong way, or who has dashcam footage from Route 5/15 near Exit 85 around the time of the collision, to contact them.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call the Connecticut State Police at 860-534-1000. Even small details, troopers say, might be critical in understanding how the event unfolded.

Highway Safety Concerns for Connecticut Drivers

The Wethersfield crash adds to ongoing worries about wrong-way driving on Connecticut highways and expressways. From commuter routes in Stamford and Bridgeport to major arteries around Hartford, state officials have looked at measures like improved signage, road markings, and technology to detect and deter wrong-way vehicles.

Saturday’s fatal collision on Route 5/15 is likely to intensify those discussions. Many residents rely on the corridor for daily travel to work, school, and medical appointments in communities large and small.

Continuing Coverage as Investigation Develops

The State Police are still investigating. They plan to release more information soon, including what caused the crash.

Right now, a Manchester family is mourning. Two other drivers are recovering from minor injuries after the accident.

We’ll share updates as authorities release new details. If you drive Route 5/15 through Wethersfield, Hartford, or nearby towns, stay alert.

Follow the posted signs, and if you see anything dangerous or odd on the road, let law enforcement know right away.

Here is the source article for this story: Woman dies after wrong-way crash on Wethersfield highway

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