WESTBROOK, Conn. — Two people, 39-year-old Nicholas Kupec of Waterford and 22-year-old Isabella Butzgy of Montville, were killed in separate crashes on Interstate 95 in Westbrook Friday morning, according to state police. The incidents shut down parts of the highway, scattered debris across multiple lanes, and caused delays that lasted well into the afternoon.
First Crash: Tractor-Trailer Loses Load of Plywood
The first crash happened at approximately 7:42 a.m. on I-95 South near Exit 64, when a tractor-trailer carrying plywood overturned, spilling its load across both sides of the highway. State police said the accident caused widespread disruption as large sheets of plywood littered travel lanes in both directions.
Kupec suffered serious injuries in the crash. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Three other individuals were also injured and taken to the hospital for treatment, though their conditions have not been publicly released.
Cleanup crews worked for hours to clear the roadway of plywood and debris. Traffic in the area was heavily impacted during the morning rush, with backups stretching several miles in both directions.
Second Crash: Fatal Collision Near Exit 65
Just under two hours later, at 9:27 a.m., state police were called to another major crash, this time involving a car and a tractor-trailer on I-95 South near Exit 65.
Troopers confirmed that Butzgy was killed in the collision. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Additional injuries were reported, but details remain limited as investigators continue to examine the cause of the crash.
Bridge Damage and Road Closures
The force of the second crash caused structural damage to the Route 145 overpass in Westbrook, prompting the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to temporarily close the bridge between Glenwood Road and North High Street.
By Friday evening, the overpass had reopened after inspections, with DOT officials confirming the bridge is safe for travel in the short term, though repairs will be required in the near future.
Investigation Ongoing
Both crashes remain under investigation by the Connecticut State Police. Troopers are urging anyone who may have witnessed either crash, or who has dash camera footage, to contact Troop F at 860-399-2100.
The double tragedies have left families in Waterford and Montville grieving as investigators work to determine what led to two deadly incidents just hours apart on the same stretch of highway.
Leave a Reply