Driver killed in fiery crash in Thomaston identified by state police

On November 19, 2024By Pranco

THOMASTON, CT (WFSB) – The driver of a pickup truck was killed last week when the vehicle struck a wire railing and caught fire on Route 8 south in Thomaston.

State police identified the driver as Lester Y. Rivera-Santiago, 41, of Waterbury.

The crash happened around 10:25 PM on November 12.

It closed portions of Route 8 in Thomaston until early Wednesday morning.

State police said the driver of the Dodge Ram was just a mile north of Exit 38 when the person left the roadway and struck the wire rope in the median.

The vehicle burst into flames and the driver died on the spot.

State police said about 250 feet of damage was found to the wire rope railing.

The highway reopened around 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

Anyone with information about what happened was asked to call state police at 860-626-7900.