Fatal Wrong-Way Accident On I-95 In Westbrook Under Investigation

WESTBROOK, CT — A fatal wrong-way crash on I-95 southbound Wednesday night is under investigation, according to state police.

Troopers out of Westbrook responded to a report of a crash near exit 65 around 8 p.m.

A 2017 Cadillac ATS was driving the wrong way on the highway's southbound lanes and crashed into a 2014 Mustang GT.

The Mustang's driver, Mark Palumbo, Jr., 47, of Madison, was declared dead at the scene of the crash.

The Cadillac's driver was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment of suspected minor injuries.

The highway was closed for several hours and reopened around 2 a.m., according to WFSB 3-TV. Traffic was diverted off I-95 during the closure at exit 66.

State police did not say whether the Cadillac's driver will face charges.

The crash is under investigation. Any witnesses are asked to contact Trooper Sorsor at Troop F at 860-399-2100.

The news comes as legislators struggle with how to address road safety. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D) wrote a letter Wednesday to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg asking for details on the department's efforts to improve roadway safety.

Murphy said there have been 245 traffic fatalities in Connecticut so far this year.

"The primary issues identified are drivers traveling at high speed, ignoring traffic signs, and driving while distracted," Murphy said in a statement. "During my annual walk across Connecticut, I spoke with a group of road construction workers who told me that they are noticing an uptick in dangerous driving behavior."

Murphy goes on to ask about what strategies are being developed to combat dangerous driving habits and how the state can better collaborate with the federal government on road safety.