NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A fatal crash involving a tractor-trailer in New Haven is under investigation early Saturday morning, and police said they are looking into whether the crash is connected to reports of street racing.
Police were called to the area of Middletown Ave. and Foxon Boulevard around 3:30 a.m. for a report of a crash involving a BMW and a tractor-trailer.
The BMW driver, identified as a 22-year-old New Britain man, was pulled out of the car by a passerby before being taken to an area hospital where he later died, officials said. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured.
The Exit 8 off-ramps on both north and southbound sides of Interstate 91 were closed for about eight hours; both ramps reopened by 11:30 a.m.
New Haven police are investigating whether the crash is connected with reports of illegal street racing.
"If we establish a link between the two, we will be looking to make arrests of any involved individuals," said New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.
Firefighters put out smoke and fire from the tractor-trailer; the lack of fire hydrants in the area posed a challenge for firefighters, according to the New Haven Asst. Fire Chief.
About 100 gallons of diesel went into an area waterway, and environmental crews are working to clean that up.
Some of the flames from the tractor-trailer fire burned the power lines above, officials said.
This is a developing story.
MORE NEWS
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.