Posted: Feb 29, 2024 / 05:34 AM EST

Updated: Mar 2, 2024 / 01:12 PM EST

ASHFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – One person has died after a crash involving two tractor-trailers on I-84 Eastbound in the Town of Union, according to Connecticut State Police. The deceased is 45-year-old Carlos Vega of Enfield. Troopers responded to the crash just before 2 a.m. on I-84 Eastbound in the area of the Exit 72 on-ramp. Police say a tractor-trailer from Massachusetts was traveling in the right lane, while Vega’s tractor-trailer was in the center lane.

 For an unknown reason, Vega swerved towards the right lane, struck the Mass. tractor-trailer, and overturned in the right shoulder before coming to an uncontrolled stop on its roof. The impact of the crash caused 250 feet of metal guardrail to be damaged, said state police. Both tractor-trailers involved in the crash were submerged in Morey Pond. The operator of the Mass. tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries, and was transported to Rockville General Hospital. Heavy equipment and a crane were brought in to upright the vehicle and maneuver it out of the pond. “I’ve been here 24 years, and this is the third truck that’s gone in the pond,” said Nancy Blackmer, who owns Cash’s Country Store.

 “So, yeah, it’s a little sad.” The crash led to the closure of the highway for several hours, redirecting traffic off Exit 72. Jamie Levindoski, a local resident, noted the unusual amount of traffic passing by his house in the morning. “I woke up this morning at like 530. Just a ton of traffic going by the house which is unusual,” he said. While one lane reopened at 9:30 A.M., traffic flow remained slow throughout the day as authorities conducted investigations.

Connecticut State Police’s accident reconstruction unit is looking into the cause of the collision. Concerns were also raised about the impact of the accidents on wildlife in the area, including turtles and beavers. “Besides worrying about the drivers it’s sad to know what’s going to happen to all the wildlife in there with all the accidents in the water,” Levindoski said. Efforts were made to contain fuel leaks from the vehicles, and environmental authorities were consulted to address any potential ecological concerns. Despite the vehicles being removed from the pond, cleanup crews remained to clear debris and assess further environmental impacts.

Thursday evening, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said that teams remained at the scene cleaning motor oil. Crews were using absorbent booms, a vacuum truck and excavating equipment to remove about 300 gallons from saddle tanks. State police is asking anyone with information on this crash to contact Trooper Jamaitus at 860-896-3200. This crash remains under investigation. Check back with News 8 for updates.