The crash happened in Hartford County on Sunday, Oct. 22 just before 5 a.m., when a 2003 Lincoln Aviator SUV traveling on Interstate 91 southbound in Wethersfield crashed into the rear of a tractor-trailer that had been parked in the right shoulder north of Exit 25, according to state police.
After the collision, the SUV came to an uncontrolled final rest on the right shoulder just behind the tractor-trailer.
The driver of the tractor-trailer reported no injuries and declined medical attention. The driver of the SUV, 40-year-old Kory Watson of Hillsville, Virginia, and a passenger, 32-year-old Lacey Price of Sorrento, Florida, were both declared dead at the scene of the crash.
A third passenger, 36-year-old Rebecca Schutte, also from Sorrento, was taken to Hartford Hospital where she was declared dead as a result of injuries suffered in the crash.
The remaining three passengers of the SUV were taken to Connecticut Children's Medical Center with minor injuries, according to authorities.
The reason the SUV veered into the right shoulder is still unknown, police said. Both vehicles were towed from the scene as a result of disabling damage.
The crash is now under investigation. Any witnesses are asked to call Trooper Michael Dean at 860-534-1098 or michael.dean@ct.gov.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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