Highway Reopens After Three-Car Crash Closes I95

A three-car accident reportedly caused by a suspect attempting to flee from the New Haven Police closed Interstate 95's southbound lanes in late this afternoon — just in time for the start of rush hour.

The incident, which occurred just after 4:15 p.m. near Exit 52 for North High Street, stranded countless motorists during the beginning of rush hour earlier today.

The accident reportedly happend when the suspect attempted to drive north on I-95 south in an attempt to escape from police officers who were in pursuit.

Assistant Chief Chuck Licata told East Haven Patch that the suspect's vehicle entered the highway going the wrong way, struck two cars travelling in the correct direction along the southbound lanes — with the suspect's engine then bursting into flames following the crash.

The man apparently immediately fled on foot from the scene.

East Haven Fire Department was the only company to respond to the accident due to the snarled traffic.

"We extinguished the fire and treated the two patients," he said.

Although both drivers were sent to the hospital, Licata said none of their injuries were life-threatening.

The male driver sustained a shoulder injury, while the other driver, a female, appeared to be more seriously injured, but she was conscious and alert at the scene, Licata said.

The suspect reportedly was caught a short time after the crash by police. Licata said while he cannot confirm the suspect was taken into police custody, he had heard at the scene the man may have been apprehended near along Saltonstall Parkway in East Haven.

The highway reopened around again shortly before 6 p.m.

East Haven Patch will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.