NAUGATUCK — Three pedestrians were hit and killed by cars on Thursday evening, all within less than an hour.
Route 8 southbound is closed in Naugatuck after a person was hit and killed by a car. The Department of Transportation reports that a car hit a pedestrian between Exits 27 and 26 on Route 8 around 5:35 p.m. State police said the pedestrian was struck by one car and then a second.State Police initially said the person who was hit died a the scene. Traffic was diverted off of Exit 27 while the road was closed, according to State Police, but it reopened around 9:30 p.m.
In Groton around 5:15 p.m. an elderly man was crossing Crystal Lake Road in Groton to get his mail when he was hit by a car, according to Groton Police. The incident occurred near the intersection with Pleasant Valley Road.
Police originally said the victim was seriously injured, but later reported he’d died from his injuries at the hospital. The driver in that crash was taken to Pequot Health Center to be treated.
The victim was identified as John Brouwer Sr., 80.
Meanwhile, I-84 eastbound was closed in Danbury at Exit 7 around 5:45 p.m. because of another pedestrian being hit by a car, the DOT reported, but it reopened in less than two hours. The person who was hit in the Danbury crash was initially reported to have serious injuries, but also later died according to State Police. Roger Leblanc was arrested on vehicular manslaughter and other charges.
