One Person Dies in a Three-Car Crash on Route 9 in Berlin

A person died in a three-car accident on Route 9 in Berlin that closed the state road for more than three hours. Connecticut State Police are investigating the crash and have not named the person who was killed.

The Berlin volunteer fire departments were busy with a few minor crashes this morning when they were called to a single car versus pedestrian call on Route 9 North by Exit 21 at 1:37 p.m.

"When we got there we found it to be a three-car accident," said East Berlin Fire Department Chief Keith Morton. "We found out that one person had been ejected or came to rest over the guardrail and down a steep bank."

The person died from injuries at the scene.

"Rescue 1, Engine 8 and Engine 13 all participated in a technical rope rescue to bring up the deceased person," Morton said. "It was about a 25 foot drop and it was very steep. You had to be roped to go down the bank."

The Connecticut State Police closed Route 9 North near Exit 21 so they could investigate the accident. The road was re-opened at about 4:30 p.m. Their findings and the identity of the deceased were to be announced later today.

"All four companies responded," Morton said. "Engine 2 from Kensington helped block traffic. We had sufficient manpower to handle the accident and also had enough to keep the town covered if something else happened so there was no need to ask for mutual aid from any other towns."