5 Critical Facts About The Fatal I-95 Crashes That Shut Down Holiday Travel Yesterday

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The Interstate 95 corridor, a vital artery for holiday travel, was marred by tragedy on December 23, 2025, with two separate fatal accidents in Connecticut and Florida causing massive, hours-long disruptions. This report details the critical incidents from yesterday, which underscore the extreme dangers of high-volume holiday traffic and the critical need for driver vigilance. The crashes resulted in the deaths of a New York woman and a dedicated roadside worker, prompting immediate investigations by state police and highway patrols across multiple jurisdictions.

The unfortunate events serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of vehicular accidents, especially during peak travel periods. As of today, December 24, 2025, authorities are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly around accident scenes and construction zones, as the holiday travel rush continues.

Victim Profile: Jill Newmark Haskel and the Greenwich, CT Tragedy

The fatal crash on I-95 South in Greenwich, Connecticut, tragically claimed the life of an elderly New York resident. While details about her life are limited as she was a private citizen, the following information has been confirmed by authorities:

  • Name: Jill Newmark Haskel.
  • Age: 89 years old.
  • Residence: Rye, New York (NY).
  • Incident: Confirmed as the victim of a three-car collision on I-95 South near Exit 3.
  • Previous Locations: Public records indicate she previously resided in several areas across New York and Connecticut, including Scarsdale, NY, Westport, CT, and White Plains, NY, suggesting a long history in the tri-state area.

The loss of Ms. Haskel has sent a ripple of grief through the Rye community and serves as a somber note during what should be a time of celebration. The Connecticut State Police are actively investigating the precise circumstances that led to the multi-vehicle crash.

The Shocking Details of the I-95 Fatalities on December 23, 2025

The two major fatal incidents on I-95 yesterday highlight the varied dangers present on the interstate, from multi-car collisions to the vulnerability of essential roadside personnel. These crashes severely impacted traffic flow, causing significant delays for thousands of holiday travelers across the East Coast.

1. The Greenwich, CT Three-Car Rollover Collision

The accident that killed Jill Newmark Haskel occurred late Monday afternoon (December 23, 2025) on the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Greenwich, CT. The crash involved three separate vehicles and was described by the Connecticut State Police as a serious rollover collision.

The immediate aftermath saw I-95 South completely shut down near Exit 3, which is a critical interchange for traffic moving between New York and Connecticut. Emergency services, including the Greenwich Fire Department and multiple State Police units, responded to the scene, diverting all traffic off the highway. The closure lasted for several hours as the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad (CARS) conducted its on-scene investigation.

While Ms. Haskel was fatally injured, police reported that the drivers of the other two vehicles involved did not sustain life-threatening injuries. The investigation is focused on determining the primary cause of the initial impact, which led to the chain reaction and subsequent rollover.

2. Roadside Traffic Worker Struck in Brevard County, Florida

In a separate, equally devastating incident, a roadside traffic worker was killed on I-95 in Brevard County, Florida, on December 22, 2025, with the news and subsequent traffic fallout dominating reports on December 23, 2025. The worker was performing essential duties when they were tragically struck by a vehicle.

This fatal crash occurred during the height of the holiday travel rush, underscoring the extreme risks faced by individuals working on or near major highways. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) immediately closed sections of I-95 in Brevard County to investigate the scene, leading to massive traffic backups and travel disruptions for travelers heading south for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The identity of the worker has not been widely released, but the incident has renewed urgent calls for drivers to adhere strictly to "Move Over" laws. These laws require drivers to move over a lane—or slow down significantly if moving over is impossible—when approaching stationary emergency or service vehicles, including tow trucks and road maintenance crews, to create a safe zone for roadside workers.

The I-95 Corridor and Holiday Travel Safety Entities

The two fatal accidents put a spotlight on the inherent dangers of the I-95 corridor, which stretches nearly 1,920 miles from Maine to Florida. The high volume of traffic, especially during the holiday season, increases the risk of serious accidents.

Authorities, including the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the respective State Police agencies, are coordinating efforts to manage the traffic flow and investigate the causes of these incidents. The complexity of these accident scenes often involves multiple entities, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for data collection and local EMS and Fire Rescue teams for immediate response.

Key entities and concepts relevant to yesterday’s I-95 incidents:

  • Connecticut State Police (CSP): Lead investigative agency in the Greenwich crash.
  • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP): Lead investigative agency in the Brevard County crash.
  • The "Move Over" Law: A key point of emphasis following the death of the roadside worker.
  • Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad (CARS): Specialized units responsible for determining the cause of complex fatal crashes.
  • Greenwich Fire Department: First responders at the CT scene.
  • Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT): Responsible for managing I-95 traffic and closures in CT.
  • Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT): Responsible for managing I-95 traffic and closures in FL.
  • Interstate 95 (I-95): The primary North-South highway axis for the East Coast.
  • Holiday Travel Rush: The period of increased traffic volume that contributed to the severity of the travel disruptions.
  • Traffic Management Centers (TMC): Used to monitor real-time traffic conditions and issue alerts.

The investigation into both fatal accidents remains active. Officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed either the Greenwich three-car crash or the Brevard County roadside worker incident to contact the respective State Police or Highway Patrol immediately to assist with the ongoing reconstruction efforts.

How to Navigate I-95 Safely During Peak Travel

Given the recent tragic events, travelers on I-95 must prioritize safety, especially during the current holiday season. Adhering to simple safety protocols can drastically reduce the risk of becoming involved in a serious or fatal crash.

  • Comply with the Move Over Law: This is non-negotiable. Slow down and move a lane over for any vehicle with flashing lights, including police, ambulances, fire trucks, and maintenance or tow vehicles.
  • Avoid Distracted Driving: Put away all mobile devices. Distracted driving is a leading cause of multi-vehicle accidents and rollovers on high-speed interstates.
  • Maintain Safe Following Distance: High-speed traffic requires significantly more braking distance. The "three-second rule" is a minimum, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions.
  • Check Traffic Alerts: Before starting your journey, use apps and state DOT websites (like CTroads and Florida 511) to check for real-time traffic incidents, closures, and potential congestion points.
  • Be Patient: Holiday travel inevitably involves delays. Aggressive driving, speeding, and tailgating dramatically increase crash risk.

The fatal incidents on I-95 yesterday in Connecticut and Florida are a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of responsible driving. The tragic deaths of Jill Newmark Haskel and the dedicated roadside worker should serve as a call to action for every motorist to make safety their top priority on the nation's busiest highways.

5 Critical Facts About the Fatal I-95 Crashes That Shut Down Holiday Travel Yesterday
accident yesterday on 95
accident yesterday on 95

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