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Branford, CT (May 17, 2026) – Six people were injured following a chain-reaction crash involving six vehicles on Saturday on Interstate 95 Southbound in Branford.
Emergency units responded to the southbound lanes of I-95 between Exits 56 and 55 after reports of a major multi-vehicle collision. Officials said a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed struck stopped traffic.
Authorities confirmed that six people were transported to hospitals for treatment. Two patients reportedly suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The southbound side of the highway was shut down for approximately 45 minutes while emergency crews worked at the scene and cleared damaged vehicles from the roadway. Traffic delays were reported throughout the area before the interstate reopened.
During the response, a fire captain sustained a dog bite from an animal involved in the crash. The injury was not believed to be serious, though the captain was later taken to a hospital for evaluation. Officials also reported that the dog suffered serious injuries and was transported for veterinary treatment.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
Chain-Reaction Interstate Crashes Can Affect Many People at Once
Chain-reaction crashes on busy interstates often occur when traffic suddenly slows or stops, and drivers behind have limited time to react. A single high-speed impact can quickly involve multiple vehicles, especially during heavy travel periods.
Crashes involving several vehicles may create widespread damage across multiple lanes, increasing the likelihood of injuries to drivers, passengers, and even responding crews. Emergency responders must often manage injured occupants, blocked traffic lanes, and roadway debris at the same time.
Investigators commonly review speed, braking distance, and vehicle positioning to determine how the collision spread through stopped traffic. Highway closures are also common after multi-vehicle crashes because crews need space to remove damaged vehicles and safely reopen the roadway.
