I-89 Closed/Opened

[Chris Santee]

Attention all motorists: I-89 northbound between mm 96 and Exit 16 (near Colchester) is closed due to an accident. Please be patient as emergency crews help the occupants, investigate the crash scene, and clear the roadway. If possible, and it is safe to do so, please find alternative routes to your destination.

At this time, it is known to be a 3 vehicle accident, unknown injury, with Troopers and fire personnel on scene.
Thank you for your patience. When the road reopens and more information becomes available… an update will be sent.

Stephanie Dasaro | Vermont State Police Public Information Officer | Public Safety Web Manager
103 S. Main Street | Waterbury, Vermont 05671
802-241-5277 (PIO) | 802-241-5443 (Web Manager) | 802-279-9773 (cell)
www.vtsp.org | www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice

[Chris Santee]

Attention all motorists: I-89 northbound between is now open at mm 96 (near Colchester).  Travel is still a little slow through that area. Please use caution.

When an update is available, the investigating trooper will send an update. Thank you for your patience.

[Chris Santee]

STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
PRESS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 11A100244
TROOPER: Sgt. Lamothe                 STATION: Williston                   
CONTACT#:
DATE/TIME: 1-14-11/approx. 1730 hrs

LOCATION (specific): Mile Marker 94 North Bound, I89

VEHICLE #1 OPERATOR: Christine Lussier      AGE: 31      SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Swanton, VT
DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE: 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE: Front end damage

VEHICLE #2 OPERATOR: Anthony Monroe    AGE: 44     SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Richmond, VT
DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE: 2010 GMC truck
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE: Rear end damage

VEHICLE #3 OPERATOR: Matt Bellows             AGE: 16  SEAT  BELT: Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Grand Isle, VT
DESCRIPTION OF VEHICLE: 1992 Ford Ranger
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE: Very minor front end damage

INJURIES: None
WEATHER: Clear   
ROAD COND: Clear

SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On 1-14-11 at approx. 1730 hrs. there was a 3 vehicle motor vehicle crash on I89 near mile marker 94 north bound in the town of Colchester.  The crash occurred when traffic became congested causing several vehicles to brake quickly.  Vehicle 2, Monroe quickly decreased his speed to avoid traffic in front of him.  Vehicle 1, Lussier, traveling directly behind vehicle 2, Monroe,  was unable to brake quickly enough to avoid vehicle 2, Monroe. Vehicle 1, Lussier's vehicle impacted the rear of vehicle 2, Monroe. At the same time vehicle 3, Bellows, who was traveling north behind vehicle 1, Lussier was unable to stop in time and hit the rear of vehicle 1, Lussier.

There were no injuries to any of the occupants involved.  Traffic was stopped and delayed for a shirt time as a result.

This crash is a result of operators following too closely to vehicles traveling in front of them.  As a result the reaction time and distance is greatly  reduced leaving insufficient room to stop and/or avoid collisions.

Sgt. Maurice Lamothe
Patrol Commander
Williston Barracks
2777 St. George Rd.
Williston, VT.  05495
802-878-7111