Stamford — A 24-year-old Stamford woman was killed late Sunday when a detached truck tire crossed the median on Interstate 95 and struck her SUV, Connecticut State Police said Monday.
Police identified the victim as Catherine Margaret Palaia, who was driving southbound on I‑95 in Milford at about 10:23 p.m. when the incident occurred.
What investigators say happened
According to state police, the front left tire of a northbound 2012 Ford F‑250 detached from the truck and struck multiple vehicles before bouncing over the concrete median barrier.
The tire then slammed through the windshield of Palaia’s 2020 Toyota RAV4, caving in the roof and sending the SUV across the southbound travel lanes. The vehicle struck the right shoulder guardrail, veered left and came to rest in the median. Palaia was
"pronounced dead at the scene."
People involved and current status of the investigation
State police said the driver of the Ford, a 73‑year‑old man from North Carolina, and the truck’s lone passenger were not injured. Investigators have not yet determined what caused the tire to detach, and no charges had been announced as of Monday afternoon.
- Victim: Catherine Margaret Palaia, 24, of Stamford.
- Location: I‑95 southbound, Milford; crash occurred around 10:23 p.m. Sunday.
- Vehicles involved: 2020 Toyota RAV4 (Palaia); 2012 Ford F‑250 (tire detached).
- Investigation: Connecticut State Police; cause of tire detachment undetermined.
Local context and safety implications
While state police continue their investigation, the crash underscores hazards that can result from mechanical failures on limited-access highways. Detached tires or other debris crossing medians are rare but carry a high risk of catastrophic injury because of vehicle speeds on I‑95.
Stamford residents who commute on I‑95 or travel the corridor between Fairfield County and New Haven County should expect periodic traffic disruptions while investigations and any related recovery work are carried out. Officials did not report any downstream road closures Monday; motorists are advised to remain vigilant and report debris to authorities if encountered.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~10:23 p.m., Sunday | Detached tire from northbound Ford F‑250 crosses median; strikes Toyota RAV4. |
| After impact | SUV crosses lanes, hits guardrail; victim pronounced dead at scene. |
| Monday | State police confirm identities and say investigation ongoing; no charges announced. |
State police are leading the probe and have offered limited details while they determine the mechanical cause of the failure. Anyone with information about the crash or who witnessed the events is asked to contact Connecticut State Police.
