The following information and photos were sent to me by Chris Santee:
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF STATE POLICE
MIDDLESEX BARRACKS
PRESS RELEASE
INCIDENT: Motor Vehicle Collision (Fatal)
INCIDENT #: 10-A3-00358
INVESTIGATING
TROOPER(S): Tpr. Dan Schneider
STATION: Middlesex
CONTACT#: (802) 229-9191
DATE/TIME
of INCIDENT: 01/25/2010 @ approximately 03:25 AM
LOCATION: Interstate 89 Southbound in Montpelier
INJURIES: Two (2) fatalities; two (2) additional people injured
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
This 3-vehicle crash occurred in the southbound lane of Interstate 89 just prior to the Montpelier exit (exit #8) at approximately 03:25 AM. Initial information indicates that vehicle #1, a loaded milk hauler (tractor/tank trailer) owned by McDermott’s Inc of Enosburg VT, lost control and jack-knifed while travelling south, coming to rest in a position blocking both lanes of the highway. Following this tractor/trailer unit was a passenger vehicle, a 1997 Buick who attempted to stop, but was struck by a second tractor/trailer unit, another loaded milk hauler, this one owned by Vaillancourt Transport, also of Enosburg VT. The three vehicles collided and the tractor portions of both milk haulers caught fire. The McDermott’s tractor/trailer driver, identified as David Dike (age 59) of Fletcher VT, was able to escape and was transported to Central Vermont Hospital where he was treated and released. The Vaillancourt’s tractor/trailer driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and passenger of vehicle #3 (the passenger car) were transported to Central Vermont Hospital where the driver was treated and released but the passenger was pronounced dead upon arrival at the emergency department. Names of the occupants of vehicle #2 and #3 are being withheld pending notification of their respective families.
The weather at the time was cloudy with light rain and temperatures hovering right around the freezing mark; road conditions were wet with patches of ice. All lanes traveling north and south were closed until firefighters could extinguish the fire and ensure that the scene was safe. The northbound lane was re-opened at approximately 06:30 AM. The southbound lane is still closed at this time and will remain so for several hours until the vehicles are removed and the Agency of Transportation personnel are able to inspect the roadway for damage.
Due to the location of this crash, the scene is closed to non-emergency personnel. Photographs of the scene are attached. An updated press release containing the names of the others involved will be issued later today.
