WALLINGFORD, Conn. — A Connecticut Dept. of Transportation employee was killed after being hit by a car on a roadway that connects to Interstate 91 in Wallingford on Friday morning, the governor's office announced.
State officials said Andrew DiDomenico, 26, was working on the shoulder of the Wharton Brook Connector in Wallingford with several other DOT employees when a car hit him around 9:15 a.m. Friday.
The driver stayed on scene after the crash and is now in state police custody, according to state police.
Troopers said the Exit 13 ramps and on-ramps on I-91 were closed for several hours as crews investigated.
"This is a heartbreaking tragedy and one that never should have happened," Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. "I am both outraged and saddened. I implore everyone getting behind the wheel to be fully alert and pay attention to what is happening on the road around them at all times. Show some respect for the workers on our interstates and roadways by following the speed limit and reducing your speed whenever you’re near work zones. My prayers are with Andrew’s family, friends, and his fellow state employees at the Connecticut Department of Transportation during this devastating time."
"My heart breaks for the family of Andrew DiDomenico, and I’m keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. This is a young life taken far too soon because of someone else’s carelessness. We can all do more to make certain that each and every one of us is safer on our roadways," said Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.
Bysiewicz added that it's imperative to drive with caution when approaching road work or stopped law enforcement, especially as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.
The governor will order flags to be lowered to half-staff on the day of DiDomenico's funeral; a date has not yet been determined.
"For the second time in one month, a Connecticut public servant has lost their life while trying to keep our roads safe," Comptroller Sean Scanlon said in a statement. "Andrew DiDomenico’s death is a tragic reminder that our state employees put their lives on the line every day to serve our state. My deepest condolences go out to his family."
Earlier in June, a construction worker in Hartford died after being hit by a car. Jose Diaz-Nieves, 54, of East Hartford, was working on a construction site that had a trench in the roadway on West Boulevard when a driver hit Diaz-Nieves, according to police.
The state and the Southington community mourned the loss of State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, 34, last month after he was fatally struck by a vehicle on Interstate 84 while responding to another vehicle.
This is a developing story.
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Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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