Connecticut DOT worker killed on the job: officials – NECN

According to state officials, a state Department of Transportation employee was struck and killed while on the job in Wallingford Friday morning.

Andrew DiDomenico, 26, of Meriden was killed while working on the Wharton Brook Connector, the ramp to Interstate 91, according to Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto and Carl Chisem, independent president of the Connecticut Employees Union.

State police said he was working on the shoulder of the Exit 13 ramp, picking up trash for the lawn mowers, when a vehicle left the road and struck him around 9:17 a.m. Friday.

DiDomenico died at the scene.

The driver who hit DiDomenico is still at the scene of the accident and is in state police custody, police said.

They have not disclosed the name of the driver or the charges against the person.

State police are investigating and are asking all travelers in the area to take an alternative route while the ramp is closed.

The on- and off-ramps and PFF ramps at Exits 13 North and South of I-91 are closed.

State police are also asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashboard camera footage to call Trooper Daniel McCue of Troop I at 203-393-4200 or email [email protected].

“Our entire agency is deeply saddened by Andrew’s tragic death. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones. Road workers are always in danger and what happened today is a horror scenario that no one wants to see come true. Andrew’s life ended tragically and the bright future that lay ahead of him will never be realized. It is difficult to express the deep sadness, shock and outrage that the 3,200 men and women of the Connecticut DOT feel at this moment,” Eucalitto said in a statement.

Following DiDomenico’s death, Department of Transportation officials and the governor are urging drivers to slow down.

“While we are all still processing the horrific events of today, we ask the public to slow down and pay attention to ensure we all get home alive,” Eucalitto added.

“Our entire union is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Andrew. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones,” Chisem said in a statement.

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“Our DOT union members face constant danger on our roads, bridges and highways. No one should have to sacrifice their life for their job. Our top priority as a union has always been safety, and what happened today is a devastating situation that everyone hopes to avoid,” Chisem added.

“Andrew’s promising future was abruptly cut short, leaving us all with deep sadness, shock and disbelief. The men and women of the Connecticut Employees Union Independent across all agencies are struggling to cope with the loss of their union brother. As we process this heartbreaking news, we urge the public to drive carefully and compassionately to ensure the safety of our roads. Connecticut drivers must take responsibility for the safety of all road users and slow down,” his statement continued.

The governor calls for flags to be lowered in honor of DiDomenico.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that should never have happened. Andrew was at a construction site with several of his colleagues performing routine road maintenance when he was struck and killed by a motorist. I am both outraged and saddened,” Governor Ned Lamont said in a statement.

“I ask everyone who gets behind the wheel to be alert and always be aware of what is happening on the road around them. Please show some respect to the workers on our highways and roads by obeying the speed limit and reducing your speed when near work zones. My prayers are with Andrew’s family, friends and his colleagues at the Connecticut Department of Transportation during this devastating time,” he added.

“Our State Police and Department of Transportation employees put their lives on the line every day to ensure our roads are safe, efficient and clean. This is a terrible and senseless tragedy. Especially now as we approach the weekend and the Fourth of July,^th “Please drive carefully during the holidays – use caution when approaching roadworks or stopped police officers, never drive under the influence of alcohol, and obey the speed limit,” Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz said in a statement.

“My heart breaks for Andrew DiDomenico’s family and my thoughts and prayers are with them. This is a young life taken far too soon due to the carelessness of another. We can all do more to ensure that each and every one of us is safer on our roads,” she added.

Lamont will order flags across the state to be flown at half-staff on the day of DiDomenico’s funeral, which has not yet been set.