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Tractor-trailers are banned from the Merritt. It was traveling north on the Merritt just past Exit 31 in Greenwich at 6 a.m. when it began to move into the left lane near the Stanwich Road overpass in an attempt to clear it, state police said.
But the tractor-trailer, which was driven by a 29-year-old Pennsylvania man, stopped just before the bridge, state police said.
Akija Elezaj of Stamford, driving a 1997 Lexus, then rear-ended the stopped tractor-trailer, state police said.
Related story: Truck Crashes On I-95 & Merritt Cause Closures, Big Traffic Delays
Elezaj, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Stamford Hospital, where he was later declared dead, state police said.
The truck driver was not injured.
No charges have been filed in the crash, which remains under investigation by state police.
The Merritt was closed between Exits 31 and 33 for about four hours after the crash, the Department of Transportation said.
During the morning rush hour, traffic delays were reported in both directions on North Street, with cars exiting the Merritt.
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