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The identities have been released of three of the four people killed in an overnight crash on the Merritt Parkway (Route 15) in Fairfield County.
According to Connecticut State Police, the collision occurred around 1:45 a.m., Thursday, May 9, in Stratford.
State Police said a 2016 Honda Civic was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes when it hit a 2010 Chrysler Country Touring van head-on.
Both vehicles burst into flames.
Killed in the crash were two Easton family members and a driver of the van, including:
- Steven Rowland, age 65, of Easton
- Thomas Lucian Vitale, age 80, of Easton
- Olga Vitale, age 81, of Easton
- The driver of the Honda, whose name has not yet been determined
Rowland is a well-known architect in the region.
"Due to the extent of injuries, confirmation of Operator 2 identity is pending an autopsy," state police said.
All were pronounced dead at the scene.
A second crash also occurred in connection with the fatal crash.
During the earlier crash, a trooper was involved in a separate collision responding to this call.
A passerby stopped their vehicle in the roadway in an attempt to render aid at the incident mentioned above.
Police said initial reports indicated this vehicle was stopped in a lane without lights on, and Trooper Luis Morales hit the vehicle.
Morales sustained minor injuries and was transported to Bridgeport Hospital for treatment, state police said.
Police are asking witnesses or anyone with information to call Troop G at 203-696-2500.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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