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Orange, CT (June 24, 2026) – Two people were injured, including one woman who sustained life-threatening injuries, following a traffic crash on Monday on Route 15 in Orange.
The collision occurred on the southbound side of Route 15 north of Exit 42B on Monday, June 23. According to state police, a 30-year-old woman lost control of her vehicle and traveled into the grass median before striking a metal guardrail.
Investigators said the impact ejected the driver from her vehicle. Both the woman and her car then rolled into the left travel lane, where a second vehicle driven by a 25-year-old man struck the overturned car. The man’s vehicle subsequently left the roadway, hit a guardrail, and came to rest off the highway.
Both drivers were taken to Yale New Haven Hospital. The woman was reported to be receiving treatment for serious, life-threatening injuries, while the man sustained minor injuries. Her next of kin have been notified.
Investigators are continuing to examine the factors that contributed to the wreck. Our thoughts are with those hurt and their families during this difficult time.
Why Ejection From a Vehicle Increases the Injury Severity?
Being ejected from a vehicle during a traffic collision is associated with a higher risk of severe injury. Occupants who leave the vehicle can come into contact with the roadway, nearby objects, or moving traffic, exposing them to additional forces beyond the initial impact.
Safety systems such as seat belts are designed to help keep occupants inside the vehicle and reduce movement during sudden changes in direction. While every roadway collision is different, remaining inside the passenger compartment generally provides greater protection than being thrown from the vehicle.
Investigators review vehicle damage, roadway evidence, and occupant movement patterns when examining crashes involving ejections. These findings can help establish how the sequence of events unfolded and provide additional context regarding the injuries reported in the aftermath of a serious roadway collision.
