Driver in Ansonia Crash Responsible for Clean-Up Costs: Officials

The man who police said caused the crash that closed Route 8 North in Ansonia for hours will be responsible for the cleanup costs, according to the state Department of Transportation.

State police said Chris Roche, 38, of Fairfield, was driving when he somehow lost control of his pickup and hit a guardrail on Thursday.

He was hauling a box trailer carrying 55-gallon drums of silicone-based foam insulation, according to officials from the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

At least one of the drums was leaking after the crash. As temperatures dropped, the material hardened on the road.

Roche had permits for the materials, but the chemical posed a significant health risk by both inhalation or by skin contact, according to DEEP. 

No injuries were reported. Crews were brought in to clean up the chemicals and mill the road, which took several hours.

How much he will have to pay was not clear on Friday afternoon.

Contact Us