North Haven, CT — May 11, 2025, Five people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 3:53 P.M. on I-91.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left five people injured during the afternoon hours of May 11th. According to official reports, a multi-vehicle accident occurred on Interstate 91 North near exit 10 resulting in one of the vehicles catching fire, however the cause of the crash is still being determined.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that five people had sustained injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, including the status of the motorists' injuries or how the crash occurred, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary

When I see a report about a multi-vehicle crash like the one that happened on May 11th along Interstate 91 North near exit 10—where five people were injured and one of the vehicles caught fire—it’s a reminder of how chaotic and dangerous these situations can be. In the immediate aftermath, public attention naturally focuses on the injuries and the dramatic visual details, like a car fire. But if we really want to understand what happened—and why—it’s essential to ask the right investigative questions. In my experience, three questions stand out as the most critical.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Multi-vehicle collisions on highways often involve complex sequences of events, and determining which vehicle initiated the chain reaction can be extremely challenging. Investigators need to piece together physical evidence from the scene—vehicle positions, impact angles, skid marks, and witness statements—to reconstruct what happened. Given the scale of this crash, that process should include a careful review of all vehicles involved. However, depending on the number of units available, time constraints, and traffic pressure, thoroughness can sometimes be compromised in favor of clearing the roadway quickly.

Second, has anyone considered the possibility that a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? In pileups or chain-reaction collisions, it’s not uncommon for at least one of the vehicles to experience a mechanical issue—brake failure, tire blowout, or even electrical malfunctions that could result in a fire post-impact. When a fire is involved, it adds an additional layer of concern: was the fire a result of the collision, or did it stem from a preexisting issue with the vehicle’s fuel system, battery, or wiring? Unless these possibilities are actively examined, key details can go unnoticed.

Third, has all electronic data been collected from the involved vehicles? Event data recorders (black boxes) are capable of capturing key information about speed, braking, throttle position, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to a crash. In multi-vehicle accidents, this data can help clarify which drivers were slowing, stopping, or attempting evasive maneuvers—and which weren’t. Combined with possible footage from nearby traffic cameras, commercial dash cams, or even driver cell phones, electronic data can bring clarity to an otherwise confusing situation.

With five people injured and several vehicles damaged—one reportedly catching fire—this crash raises numerous questions that deserve comprehensive answers. Properly addressing these three investigative areas isn't just about sorting out liability; it’s about making sure those involved, and their families, understand exactly what happened. That understanding starts with a commitment to asking the right questions and following the evidence wherever it leads.