Man Jumps Off Overpass After New Britain Highway Crash: Cops

NEW BRITAIN — A man jumped to his death from a highway overpass after a single-car crash on Tuesday night, state police said.

The crash took place at 8:48 p.m. on Route 72 westbound near Exit 7, state police said. State police released the details on Wednesday morning.

The driver of the 2001 Toyota Camry is listed as 55-year-old David Rodriguez, of New Britain, according to a crash report.

The collided with the metal beam guide rail adjacent to right shoulder. The damage to the rail spanned 50-feet, state police said.

The car then crossed every lane and smashed into a concrete barrier off the left shoulder, according to a crash report.

After the crash, Rodriguez exited his vehicle and jumped off the overpass, state police said. Rodriguez was transported to Hartford Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased, state police said.

His passenger, 49-year-old, Norma Vargas, of New Britain, was taken to Hartford Hospital with life-threatening injuries, state police said.

Rodriguez is the registered owner of the vehicle, according to a crash report.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash can call the state police Troop H barracks at 860-534-1000, ext. 6019.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel