Report reveals new details about crash involving Vermont trooper

WATERBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – The Vermont state trooper who crashed into a fire truck was traveling between 79 and 86 mph at the point of impact– that’s according to a crash report obtained by WCAX News.

The report, conducted by state police, shows the cruiser driven by Cpl. Eric Vitali was going 88 mph just prior to crashing into a firetruck on March 8 on Interstate 89 in Bethel. Data from the vehicle shows brakes and steering were used, indicating that it’s unlikely Vitali lost consciousness prior to the crash.

Vitali’s state-issued cellphone and other devices showed no user activity leading up to the crash.

A warrant was issued to Verizon to track possible activity on Vitali’s personal cellphone.

The crash report concluded that Vitali failed to see and react to the fire truck, despite emergency lights being activated and road flares behind the truck. Why Vitali didn’t avoid the truck remains under investigation.

State police say the roadway was dry at the time of the incident.

Vitali was on his way to a first-aid training at Waterbury’s state police headquarters when he crashed into the back of a Bethel Volunteer Fire Department tanker truck that was responding to another crash just north of the Bethel exit.

Vitali, a 19-year veteran of the state police, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in the crash. He was airlifted to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in critical condition. He was the only person injured in the incident.

The Vermont Troopers’ Association– on behalf of Vitali’s family– says he has been moved to a rehab facility where he’s undergoing extensive cognitive and physical therapy.

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