A Tragic Accident Claims the Life of a 78-Year-Old Connecticut Woman

In a devastating turn of events, a 78-year-old woman from Connecticut lost her life on Thursday in a three-car crash that caused a closure of Interstate 95 South for several hours. Barbara Dyer, a resident of North Franklin, was fatally injured in the accident, while a second driver, Joseph M. Teixeira, 22, from East Providence, suffered minor injuries.

The unfortunate incident occurred just before noon when Dyer was driving along the northside of the highway, between exits 91 and 92, and was caught in heavy traffic. She was driving her Honda Civic in the left lane, behind a pick-up truck driven by Westerly resident Jeffrey White, 62.

According to the preliminary investigation conducted by the state police, Teixeira, who was driving a Mazda CX-5, failed to notice the traffic congestion and collided with the rear of Dyer’s car. The impact caused Dyer’s car to be pushed into the pick-up truck before veering off the highway and landing in a ditch.

Emergency responders from the Wequetequock, Quiambaug, and Pawcatuck fire departments, along with personnel from the Westerly Ambulance Corps, swiftly arrived at the scene. Although Life Star was initially called for assistance, it was later cancelled. Dyer was immediately transported by ambulance to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, where, tragically, she was pronounced dead.

Fortunately, White, the driver of the pick-up truck, escaped the accident unharmed.

Due to the severity of the crash, traffic was diverted off exit 91, and the Connecticut State Police Accident Reconstruction Team was brought in to investigate the incident. As a result, the interstate remained closed for several hours, causing significant disruption to commuters. Connecticut State Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or has video footage to come forward and provide information by calling 869-848-6500, ext. 5.