Manchester, CT (February 27, 2026) – A 22-year-old man was killed in a crash on eastbound I-84 in Manchester in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 26, after his vehicle struck a tractor-trailer.
The crash occurred around 4:00 a.m. The vehicle sustained significant damage in the collision. The driver, identified as Lucca Vinicius Sartori-Souza, 22, of Hartford, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
The tractor-trailer was also involved in the crash, though no injuries to its occupant were confirmed. Emergency units responded to the scene and managed the aftermath of the collision.
The incident remains under investigation by authorities, and further details are expected as the review continues. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Lucca Vinicius Sartori-Souza.
Early-Morning Crash Risks on I-84 in Connecticut
The stretch of I-84 running through Manchester is a heavily traveled corridor that connects Hartford to the eastern part of Connecticut and beyond. In the early morning hours, traffic volume drops significantly, but crash risk does not follow the same pattern. Reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and higher speeds are all factors that contribute to serious crashes during overnight and pre-dawn hours on Connecticut interstates.
Crashes involving passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers are particularly dangerous due to the extreme difference in size and weight between the two. When a smaller vehicle strikes the side or rear of a large commercial truck, the resulting damage to the passenger vehicle is often catastrophic, leaving little protection for occupants inside.
Connecticut’s highway safety data consistently shows that fatal crashes are overrepresented in overnight and early morning time windows. Drivers traveling during these hours are encouraged to ensure they are well-rested and alert, as fatigue remains one of the leading contributing factors in single-vehicle crashes on interstate highways.
