Tractor Trailer Operator Killed, Second Driver Arrested in Fiery 2-Vehicle Crash on I-95 in Westport: Update

Update: WESTPORT, CT — A tractor trailer operator from Woodbury was killed Wednesday night in a fatal crash with a car southbound on I-95 in Westport, and the driver of the car has been arrested on a charge of Driving Under the Influence, according to state police.

Thomas Patrick Reynolds, 64, was killed in the crash when his truck hit a guard rail between exits 18 and 17 and flipped over onto its side. The truck then caught fire after striking a tree. Reynolds was pronounced dead at the scene.

Arrested was 35-year-old Ramses Taylor Rival, of Stamford, who was not injured in the crash, which occurred when his car veered to the right and collided with the truck. That collision caused the truck to swerve farther to the right and strike the guard rail.

All southbound lanes were shut down for nearly 12 hours from just after 7 p.m. until just before 6 a.m. on Thursday morning. Traffic was being diverted at exit 18 throughout the night, and Westport police reported heavy traffic on the Post Road and several other streets throughout town.

Department of Transportation officials initially estimated the thruway might be closed for an hour, but state police quickly changed that assessment, stressing that motorists should expect an extended closure throughout Wednesday night.

Rival was released after posting a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on Oct. 20.

Photo: Ramses Taylor Rival. Photo credit: Connecticut State Police