The closure occurred on eastbound I-84 at Exit 17 (Ludingtonville Road/Route 43) in Kent.
At approximately 3:48 a.m., a 2015 Volvo tractor-trailer operated by 36-year-old Sergio Khundiashvili of Brooklyn was traveling in the left lane when the trailer struck the median guardrail, state police said.
The trailer jumped the guardrail causing the entire rig to overturn, and land on the driver side, according to police.
Thomas W. Cipolla, 52, of Beacon, was also traveling in the left lane behind Khundiashvili. Cipolla’s 1994 Toyota Camry struck the underside of the tractor-trailer causing both vehicles to become engulfed in flames, police said.
Cipolla was extricated by passersby and Khundiashvili. Cipolla was transported to by Patterson EMS to Putnam Hospital where he was pronounced dead by the on-duty Emergency Room medical doctor.
Khundiashvili and his passenger were transported by Patterson Fire Department to Danbury Hospital for minor injuries.
The stretch that was closed, between exits 16 and 18, reopened around 2:30 p.m.
The crash occurred around 4 a.m. Monday when the tractor-trailer rolled over and was struck by a passenger vehicle, State Police Trooper AJ Hicks said.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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