A New Haven police officer who was on his way home from work has serious injuries after a crash on Interstate 91 in New Haven late Thursday night and state police said the 27-year-old woman who was driving the wrong way when the crash happened has died.
Police said Katherine Gavidia, 27, of Hamden, was driving the south on the northbound side of the highway when she collided with a vehicle in the left center lane driven by 29-year-old Thomas Murray, of Cheshire, according to state police, according to state police.
The crash happened at 11:55 p.m. near exit 8 and New Haven police said Officer Murray was on his way home from the police department after finishing his shift.
Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles and had to be extricated. Gavidia died at the scene.
Murray was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment including surgeries for bilateral compound fractures of both legs, multiple fractures to his pelvis, many broken ribs and several other injuries, according to police. They said Murray remains in serious condition.
Police Chief Anthony Campbell was with Murray’s family overnight at the hospital.
“The New Haven Police Department was saddened upon hearing of the serious injuries sustained by Officer Thomas Murray. Our thoughts, prayers and well wishes go out to him and his family during his time of recovery. We also wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family of the woman killed in this tragic crash and pray for comfort for all those affected by this sad event,” Campbell said in a statement.
The highway was closed for around six hours.
The NBC Connecticut crew at the scene reports that one car is smashed and a white pickup has significant damage.
