Westbrook, Connecticut: Isabella Rose Butzgy Dies in I-95 Crash; Second Morning Fatality Confirmed
Westbrook, Connecticut: Isabella Rose Butzgy Dies in I-95 Crash; Second Morning Fatality Confirmed
WESTBROOK, Connecticut — Authorities responded to a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 early Friday morning, where 22-year-old Isabella Rose Butzgy of Oakdale lost her life. Butzgy, driving an Isuzu box truck, rear-ended a massive tractor-trailer at highway speed. The impact was fatal on contact, leaving investigators and first responders confronting a scene of catastrophic destruction.
Butzgy became the second fatality of the morning on I-95. Hours earlier, Nicholas John Kupec had died when plywood debris from another truck accident created a hazardous obstacle on the highway. Both incidents occurred within miles of each other, forcing Connecticut State Police to manage two separate fatal scenes simultaneously.
State police confirmed that both crashes involved commercial vehicles, underscoring the dangers posed by high-speed highways when debris and unexpected obstacles are present. Authorities noted that the victims were simply traveling as part of their normal morning routines when tragedy struck.
The dual accidents necessitated the full closure of I-95 between Exits 62 and 65. Traffic quickly backed up for miles as emergency crews and investigators worked to clear wreckage, document evidence, and ensure public safety. Commuters were advised to seek alternate routes, as the highway remained impassable for several hours.
By late afternoon, several lanes had reopened, but the impact of the crashes remained severe. Authorities emphasized the challenges involved in managing two fatal crashes in close proximity, each with its own complex investigation involving commercial trucks and highway debris.
Investigators are meticulously reviewing both crashes to determine contributing factors. In Butzgy’s case, state police are examining vehicle speed, traffic conditions, and the circumstances surrounding the rear-end collision with the tractor-trailer. For Kupec, they continue to assess how debris from an earlier accident transformed the roadway into a deadly hazard.
Both families have been notified, and Connecticut State Police expressed condolences, highlighting the profound loss experienced by the loved ones of the victims. Community members are rallying to support the grieving families while authorities continue their work to provide answers.
Traffic safety officials are reviewing the sequence of events and exploring measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incidents highlight the dangers of high-speed travel, particularly on busy commercial corridors where heavy vehicles and unexpected debris pose risks to all motorists.
Witnesses described the aftermath as chaotic, with emergency responders navigating multiple hazards and ensuring that no further incidents occurred while attending to victims. The rapid response by first responders was credited with preventing additional injuries, even amidst the severe destruction.
As the investigation continues, Connecticut State Police stress the importance of cautious driving and vigilance, particularly in areas with heavy commercial traffic. The memory of Isabella Rose Butzgy and Nicholas John Kupec serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a normal morning commute can turn tragic, and the need for ongoing highway safety measures.
