Westport, CT (September 16, 2025) – A tragic pedestrian-involved crash early Monday morning claimed the life of a 50-year-old man on Route 15 South in Westport.
First responders, including Connecticut State Police and paramedics, were dispatched to the scene near exit 42 at approximately 4:15 a.m. after receiving reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Despite emergency efforts, the pedestrian, identified as Salvador Castelan-Flores of New Haven, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined that the incident began when a vehicle crashed into a guardrail and came to rest in the middle of the roadway. As another car attempted to swerve around the disabled vehicle, it fatally struck Castelan-Flores. The serious nature of the crash prompted the involvement of the accident reconstruction team.
The southbound lanes of Route 15 were fully closed between exits 27 and 21 during the investigation, causing significant delays for morning commuters. Authorities have since reopened the roadway, but the investigation into the full sequence of events remains active.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Salvador Castelan-Flores.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Highway Hazards in Connecticut
The fatal incident on Route 15 highlights the dangers faced by pedestrians on Connecticut highways, especially in early morning hours when visibility is reduced. High-speed environments such as Route 15 offer little margin for error when disabled vehicles or pedestrians are present on or near travel lanes.
Pedestrian fatalities on major Connecticut roadways have been on the rise, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting a concerning upward trend in recent years. Disrupted traffic flow, inadequate lighting, and poor visibility conditions contribute significantly to such accidents.
When breakdowns or crashes occur on highways, drivers are urged to remain inside their vehicles if safe and activate hazard lights while waiting for assistance. Pedestrians on active highways face extreme risk, even when attempting to avoid further collisions.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
