The Vermont State Police-Royalton Barracks have provided an update on Monday’s fatal accident on Interstate 91.
According to the press release, the incident occurred at approximately 5:50 AM on Monday, April 5th, on a stretch of Interstate 91 traveling through Hartland. Investigators have uncovered that a tractor-trailer truck, driven by 66-year-old Garry Starr of Jay, VT, was heading southbound on the interstate when the vehicle became disabled. This forced Starr to move into the breakdown lane. He then activated his four-way flashers and set-up several traffic triangles behind his vehicle.
Starr then, for currently unknown reasons, began walking in the southbound lane on I-91. While he was walking, a 2013 Dodge Dart, operated by 35-year-old Tristan Blanchard of North Springfield, came around a corner on the highway and struck him. According to Blanchard, he attempted to avoid the collision but was unsuccessful in his efforts. Starr was pronounced dead at the scene.
A portion of I-91 southbound was closed down for over five hours while emergency crews and police responded to the area of the crash. The investigation is currently in progress but, at this time, police state that no charges are expected to be filed.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information pertaining to the investigation, are encouraged to call the VSP-Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or via anonymously at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.
WNTK Local News 