Two Killed After Mazda Veers Across I-95 Lanes and Hits Sign Support in Stratford, Police Say

The latest

November 8, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. Central time (8:30 a.m. Eastern).

Two Brookfield residents were killed Saturday morning when their SUV veered across all three lanes of Interstate 95 in Stratford, Connecticut, leaving the roadway and crashing into a metal highway sign support and a tree, FOX 61 reported, citing Connecticut State Police.

State troopers identified the victims as 54-year-old Jeffrey Stein and 43-year-old Jessica Stein. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel near the Exit 33 northbound ramp.

According to preliminary findings by the Connecticut State Police Troop G barracks, the couple was traveling northbound in a gray Mazda CX-9 shortly after 10:15 a.m. when the vehicle abruptly crossed from the far-left lane across the center and right travel lanes, entered the grassy median beside the off-ramp, and struck the heavy sign support structure before colliding with a nearby tree.

Highway shutdown and reconstruction inquiry

The violent impact triggered an immediate emergency response that shut down northbound lanes of I-95 for several hours between Exit 32 and Exit 33, according to the Hartford Courant.

Traffic backed up for miles into Bridgeport, while diverted motorists jammed local Stratford thoroughfares, including Ferry Boulevard, Honeyspot Road, and Stratford Avenue, News 12 Connecticut reported from the scene.

Specialized investigators from the Connecticut State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad (C.A.R.S.) were dispatched to process physical evidence, map skid patterns, and analyze the SUV's trajectory. Lead investigator Trooper Daniel Sottini requested that any witnesses who observed the vehicle before the collision or who have dashcam video contact Troop G.

What remains unknown

State police have not determined what caused the SUV to cross three full lanes of highway traffic. Authorities noted that no other vehicles were struck during the sequence, and road surfaces were clear at the time of the morning crash.

Investigators are examining whether the driver suffered an acute medical emergency, whether a mechanical failure occurred, or whether another traffic hazard prompted an evasive steering maneuver. Mechanical inspections of the Mazda CX-9 and toxicology evaluations through the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are standard procedures in fatal single-vehicle crashes and remain pending.

Public safety officials urged drivers who frequent the coastal corridor to exercise caution, noting that high-speed collisions with immovable roadside infrastructure remain among the most lethal highway incidents in New England.

Where the crash occurred

The star marks the approximate location on Interstate 95 North near Exit 33 in Stratford, Connecticut, where the single-vehicle collision took place.

Approximate area near Exit 33, Stratford, CT. Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Timeline of the crash and response

Saturday, Nov 7, ~10:15 a.m. A gray Mazda CX-9 traveling northbound on I-95 veers across three lanes near Exit 33 and hits a highway sign support and a tree. FOX 61
Saturday, Nov 7, 10:30 a.m. Emergency crews arrive at the scene; both occupants are pronounced dead. State police close northbound travel lanes between Exits 32 and 33. News 12 Connecticut
Saturday, Nov 7, afternoon The C.A.R.S. reconstruction team completes preliminary on-scene mapping, and travel lanes gradually reopen to traffic. Hartford Courant
Sunday, Nov 8, morning State police continue seeking witnesses and dashcam footage as vehicle and medical examinations proceed. Connecticut State Police

Public safety notices on X

The Connecticut State Police traffic safety desk and local emergency feeds posted traffic advisories urging motorists to avoid I-95 northbound through Stratford during the extended road closure.

TRAFFIC ALERT: I-95 Northbound in Stratford is closed between Exits 32 and 33 due to a serious motor vehicle collision investigation. Expect heavy residual delays and seek alternate routes.
— Connecticut State Police (@CTStatePolice) Read updates on X

Check @CTStatePolice on X for roadway re-openings, commuter advisories, and state police public notices.

Sources and visual credits

FOX 61: Double fatal crash on I-95 in Stratford · Connecticut State Police Troop G crash report · Hartford Courant: Serious crash closes part of I-95 in Stratford · News 12 Connecticut: I-95 northbound shutdown after fatal collision · Connecticut State Police on X.