Hit and run six-car pileup stops morning traffic

 

Photo by Trooper Luke Rodzel.

Route 7 traffic was stopped in both directions Wednesday morning after a six-car crash in Charlotte south of State Park Road, .4 miles north of the Ferrisburgh town line. Roads were icy after mixed precipitation and dropping temperatures overnight.

Vermont State Police said they responded to a motor vehicle crash just after 6:37 a.m. In a press release they wrote that preliminary investigation indicated that vehicle 1, which was driven by Paul Dodson of South Burlington, was traveling on Route 7, lost control, crashed into another vehicle, and rolled over. Because of this incident there was a series of other collisions involving Kristofer Kostantini of Colchester, Adam Brigante of South Burlington, Teagan Glen of New Haven, and Molly Roach of South Burlington. Three cars were totaled during the accident and the other three sustained damage; one motorist was extricated from their vehicle.

Kostantini, Glen, and Roach were all transported to University of Vermont Medical Center for minor injuries; all drivers were wearing seatbelts. Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene in less than five minutes, according to CVFRS Deputy Chief Rob Mullin. They were joined shortly thereafter by first responders from Shelburne Rescue, Vergennes Rescue, and the Ferrisburgh Fire Department as well as the Vermont Department of Transportation, who assisted with traffic management because of the slippery roads.

Police report that the sixth car, a black Volkswagen with damage to front left, fled the scene and headed south. The crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident, and/or the black Volkswagen that fled the scene is encouraged to contact Trooper Adam Marchand at 802-878-7111.