Tow truck driver killed while helping motorist

NORTH HAVEN — A tow truck driver assisting a disabled motorist on Interstate 91 was struck and killed by a passing vehicle on Saturday, according to AAA.

Police responded to the collision near exit 10 shortly before 7 p.m., according to the state Department of Transportation and state police.

Police have not yet identified the deceased truck driver or released any information about the ongoing investigation. It is unclear if criminal charges are pending in connection to the fatal collision.

Crews were forced to close the highway for nearly four hours after the wreck. The road was reopened around 10 p.m., officials said.

In a news release announcing the fatal crash, AAA spokesperson Fran Mayko urged motorists to use caution and reduce speed when approaching a potentially dangerous incident on a highway. The deceased truck driver was not affiliated with the motor club.

“Connecticut’s ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ law means just that: when a driver sees an emergency vehicle, whether it’s a state police cruiser, a firetruck, an ambulance, DOT vehicles, or a tow truck with activated lights, drivers need to slow down to a reasonable speed and if possible, move to the adjacent lane to give responders space to operate,” Mayko said.