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MERIDEN, New Haven County, Conn., Nov. 9, 2026 — Three vehicles collided on Sunday night, November 8, on Interstate 691 eastbound in Meriden, shutting down the highway for hours, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
The crash happened between Exits 1B and 1A, closing the eastbound side of I-691 as of about 7:54 p.m. At least two lanes stayed shut while crews worked to clear the scene, the agency said.
Connecticut State Police confirmed emergency crews responded to the multi-vehicle crash and said minor injuries were reported. The extent of those injuries and how many people were hurt were not released.
No further details on what led to the crash, including any possible cause, have been made public. The investigation appeared to be ongoing as of Sunday night.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
More on Crashes in Meriden, CT
This multi-vehicle crash happened on Interstate 691 in Meriden, CT. We cover crashes across New Haven County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our New Haven County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are multi-vehicle crashes usually harder to sort out than single-car wrecks?
Investigators typically have to establish the order vehicles collided in and how each driver reacted, which usually takes longer than reconstructing a crash involving just one vehicle, especially when lanes have to reopen quickly.
What usually triggers a pile-up involving several vehicles?
These crashes commonly start when one vehicle slows or stops unexpectedly, such as for traffic, debris, or poor visibility, and the vehicles behind it can't stop in time.
What causes the chain-reaction effect in these crashes?
Each impact can push a vehicle into the one ahead of or beside it, so a crash that starts with two cars can quickly pull in others nearby, especially on a busy highway.
Is there anything drivers can do if traffic ahead suddenly slows on a highway?
Leaving more following distance and watching brake lights several cars ahead gives drivers more time to react before a slowdown turns into a collision.
