21-year-old college student from Massachusetts among 4 killed in fiery wrong-way highway crash

A Massachusetts man attending college is among 4 killed in a fiery wrong-way highway crash.

According to Connecticut State Police, on Thursday at approximately 1:45 a.m., Troop G dispatch received 911 calls of a wrong way driver traveling on RT. 15 South, south of exit 53. Troop G dispatch was then notified the vehicle was involved in a head on collision and was engulfed in flames.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle occupied by Steven Rowland, 65, Thomas Lucian Vitale, 80, and Olga Vitale, 81 (all from Easton), was traveling on Route 15 South, in the right lane. 21-year-old Alexander Dennis of Wayland, MA was traveling northbound in the southbound travel lanes (wrong way), resulting in a head on collision. The vehicle being driven by Dennis became fully engulfed in flames.

All 4 occupants died at the scene. Dennis’ body was so unrecognizable, he wasn’t identified until today.

According to Fairfield University, Dennis had just completed his junior year on campus and was traveling home to Massachusetts for the summer when the car accident occurred. As a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, Alex was a visual and performing arts major with a special interest in film.

“At a time of year when we are actively engaged in the celebration of our students and their accomplishments, a loss like this seems inconceivable. Those who knew and loved Alex will be especially impacted by his passing, and his loss will be felt across campus. Our Jesuit colleagues are available to our community, as are staff members from Campus Ministry and the Counseling Center. For employees, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may also be a helpful resource at this time.” -President Mark R. Nemec PhD

C.A.R.S., Stratford Fire Department, Trumbull Fire Department, Stratford E.M.S. and D.O.T. assisted on scene.

Route 15 South was closed for approximately seven hours.

The case is currently being investigated. Contact Troop G at (203) 696-2500 if you witnessed this collision.