The news article reports that Reginald Collins, a man accused of causing a fiery crash that shut down a major Connecticut highway bridge and killed a fuel delivery truck driver, has been charged with negligent homicide. The crash occurred on Interstate 95 in April 2023, resulting in the death of 42-year-old truck driver, Wallace Fauquet III. Collins turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued against him and was charged with negligent homicide for his role in the accident. The incident occurred on the southbound side of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge between New London and Groton, where Collins’ car blew out a tire, causing a fuel delivery truck to crash into it, flip over, catch fire, and ultimately lead to Fauquet’s death.
The arrest warrant alleges that Collins created a traffic hazard by remaining stationary in the right acceleration lane instead of moving his vehicle to a safe location. Collins’ lawyer, Anthony C. Basilica, denied the allegations, stating that Collins’ car was disabled when it came to a stop and he couldn’t get over to the shoulder. The crash resulted in the southbound side of the bridge being closed for hours, causing a major disruption in traffic. The bridge, which spans the Thames River, is Connecticut’s largest passenger and truck bridge, measuring 6,000 feet in length. The fuel delivery truck spilled approximately 2,200 gallons of home heating oil, some of which went into the river, leading to a significant fire that damaged the protective fencing and roadway on the bridge.
Collins was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, improper parking, failure to register his vehicle, and illegally operating a vehicle without proper insurance coverage. He was released on a promise to return to court on June 4. Basilica stated that Collins had just purchased new tires and was taking a test drive when one of them shredded on the bridge. Collins is reportedly considering legal action against the tire store and Fauquet’s estate. Despite Fauquet not being licensed to transport hazardous materials, state police emphasized that this did not diminish Collins’ responsibility in the accident. Collins is said to be dealing with injuries from the crash, including neck and back pain, as well as post-traumatic stress as a result of the tragic incident.
The news article highlights the aftermath of the fiery crash on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, detailing the closure of the southbound side of the bridge, which caused a significant disruption in traffic. The incident led to the spilling of home heating oil from the fuel delivery truck, causing flames, smoke, and damage to the protective fencing and roadway on the bridge. Videos from the scene show the extent of the fire on the bridge and the impact it had on both the structure and the surrounding area. The article also mentions the legal proceedings against Collins, including his plea of not guilty to the charges of negligent homicide with a motor vehicle and other related offenses, as well as his plans to pursue legal action against the tire store and Fauquet’s estate.
The tragic crash on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge resulted in the loss of life and significant damage to the bridge structure and surrounding area. The legal proceedings against Reginald Collins shed light on the events leading up to the accident and the consequences of his actions. The article provides insight into the aftermath of the crash, including the closure of the bridge, the environmental impact of the spilled fuel, and the personal injuries sustained by Collins. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving to prevent similar accidents in the future. The investigation and legal proceedings surrounding the crash will continue as authorities seek justice for the victim and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
