QUECHEE, Windsor County, Vt., Nov. 4, 2026 — Two people died, and a third was hospitalized with serious injuries after a crash on US Route 4 on Monday night, November 2, in Quechee.
The crash happened on US-4 (Woodstock Road) near its intersection with Hathaway Road, about a third of a mile east of the Quechee Gorge Bridge, according to the Hartford Police Department. Investigators said a westbound SUV and a car collided, and the car caught fire. The car's driver and a passenger in the SUV, who was also partially burned, died at the scene.
The SUV's driver was seriously injured and taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. The road was closed for several hours on Monday night while crews worked the scene.
The exact cause remains under investigation. Investigators said the car appeared to have slid sideways into the SUV, though the circumstances that led up to that are still being examined. Police have not released the identities of those involved. Local and state police and fire crews responded, along with a sheriff's department from Jackson County, Georgia, which authorities thanked for assisting.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Cpl. Aleya Leombruno of the Hartford Police Department.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
More on Crashes in Quechee, VT
This fatal crash happened on US Route 4 in Quechee, VT. We cover crashes across Windsor County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Windsor County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crash more likely to be fatal?
Speed, the angle of impact, and whether a fire results from the collision all play a role. A side or T-bone style impact, like the one described in this crash, can be especially dangerous because there is less structure to absorb the force before it reaches the people inside.
How does speed affect whether people survive a crash?
Higher speeds mean more force has to be absorbed in the collision, so even a small increase in speed can substantially raise the risk of serious injury or death.
Why does wearing a seat belt matter so much?
A seat belt keeps a person in their seat and helps keep them away from the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield during a crash, and it can reduce the chance of being thrown from the vehicle entirely.
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families can request a copy of the official crash report from the investigating agency, which in this case is the Hartford Police Department, and can reach out directly to the officer listed on the report with questions.
