Four people were killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 84 in Hartford early Saturday morning.
A car was traveling in the wrong direction on I-84 East in the tunnel by Exit 51 in downtown Hartford around 2:45 a.m., according to state police.
It is not clear how many vehicles were involved in the crash or if everyone who died was in the same vehicle.
The highway remained shut down more than four hours after the crash.
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It was the second fatal wrong-way crash on Connecticut highways early Saturday morning.
State police issued a statement about wrong-way crashes in the state:
Local
"The issue of wrong way drivers is one that is not unique to our State. It is a battle that is faced nationwide and unfortunately is not something new. When calls are received reporting wrong way drivers, State Police respond swiftly as we fully recognize the imminent danger involved. In general, contributing factors that lead to wrong way drivers are not limited to those who are impaired, they can also involve those experiencing mental crisis, disoriented drivers who may be experiencing the effects of illness, and even severe weather conditions that can limit visibility. Wrong way drivers are often identified by Troopers who encounter them on patrol traveling the highway as well as members of the public who report them through 911. We urge the public to continue to call 911 immediately when they witness these drivers on the roadway. Helping your loved ones manage their mental and physical health and evaluating driving capabilities to determine if maintaining an operator’s license is appropriate, pulling over and calling 911 if you fall ill while driving, avoiding travel in severe weather conditions, and having a designated driver or using a share ride service are all ways that can help contribute to preventing these occurrences."
