NORTH HAVEN, CT — Fiery Rollover Crash on I-91 Leaves Five Hospitalized, Shuts Down Highway
A chaotic and terrifying scene unfolded on Sunday afternoon, May 11, in North Haven, Connecticut, after a fiery rollover crash brought traffic to a standstill and sent five people to area hospitals. The incident occurred just before 4 p.m. on the northbound side of Interstate 91, near Exit 10, a heavily traveled corridor that quickly became the center of an emergency response effort.
According to the Connecticut State Police, the crash involved multiple vehicles, with one car overturning and catching fire almost immediately after impact. Witnesses described the harrowing moment when smoke and flames rose from the crumpled vehicle, drawing the attention of drivers and bystanders alike. First responders rushed to the scene within minutes, including local fire crews, paramedics, and law enforcement, who worked quickly to extinguish the blaze and provide aid to the injured.
Five individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Two of the victims sustained serious injuries, though their conditions were reported as stable by late Sunday evening. The remaining three were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to officials.
The intensity of the crash and the resulting fire temporarily forced authorities to shut down all northbound lanes of I-91 between Exits 9 and 11, causing significant traffic delays throughout the area. State police issued traffic advisories via social media and local radio, urging motorists to avoid the area and seek alternate routes while crews worked to clear the wreckage and assess the scene.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the accident may have been triggered by a high-speed lane change or possible distraction, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Surveillance footage from highway cameras is being reviewed, and authorities are also expected to examine whether impairment, weather conditions, or mechanical failure played any role in the crash.
The North Haven Fire Department confirmed that it took nearly 30 minutes to fully extinguish the vehicle fire, which posed an additional hazard due to the potential for fuel ignition and further explosions. Despite the severity of the incident, the rapid response by emergency crews prevented the situation from escalating further and potentially claiming lives.
By 6:30 p.m., crews had successfully cleared the scene, and all lanes were reopened to traffic. However, the ripple effects of the shutdown caused delays well into the evening. Motorists traveling through the corridor were advised to anticipate residual congestion.
Local officials have since commended the quick response of emergency personnel and called the incident a stark reminder of the dangers that can unfold in seconds on high-speed highways.
“This was a very serious accident with a very fortunate outcome,” said a spokesperson from the Connecticut State Police. “It could have easily been a tragedy, but thanks to the swift actions of our first responders and some luck, everyone survived.”
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, with more information expected in the coming days as authorities gather statements and forensic data from the scene. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is being urged to contact state police.
This latest crash adds to a growing number of serious highway incidents in Connecticut this year, underscoring the need for continued vigilance, safe driving practices, and awareness on the roads.
