Bridgeport resident among those killed on I‑95 while doing road work
A Connecticut Department of Transportation employee who lived in Bridgeport was killed Thursday morning while performing road maintenance on Interstate 95 in Fairfield, city officials and state police said.
The victim, identified in public statements as Elvin Hernandez, was struck and killed around 10:35 a.m. on the highway southbound near exit 21, according to Connecticut State Police. Hernandez was on duty doing road maintenance when the collision occurred.
Authorities arrested a Derby man, identified as 60‑year‑old Edward Myers, and charged him with a range of offenses related to the crash, including second‑degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle. State police said Myers admitted he had used heroin before the crash.
- Victim: Bridgeport resident and CTDOT employee Elvin Hernandez
- Location: I‑95 southbound near exit 21 in Fairfield
- Time: Approximately 10:35 a.m.
- Arrested: Edward Myers, 60, of Derby; charged with second‑degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle and other offenses
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim issued a statement saying the city is mourning the loss and praising CTDOT workers for the risks they take to keep roads safe. "Every day, CTDOT workers put themselves in harm’s way to keep our roads safe and our state moving," the mayor said.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Elvin Hernandez, a Bridgeport resident and Connecticut Department of Transportation employee who lost his life today while on the job on I‑95 in Fairfield," Mayor Joe Ganim said.
Gov. Ned Lamont also released a statement offering condolences, saying state government grieves the death of a dedicated employee and that his "prayers are with Elvin’s family, friends, and CTDOT colleagues."
Local implications and safety concerns
The fatality underscores the dangers faced by roadway workers in Connecticut and raises questions for Bridgeport residents and officials about worker safety measures along busy highways.
Bridgeport is home to many residents employed by state and municipal agencies who work near high-speed traffic. The death of a local CTDOT employee is likely to renew calls among labor advocates and family members for additional protective measures, training and enforcement to reduce the risk of vehicle strikes on maintenance crews.
State police have not released a full list of charges beyond the disclosed second‑degree manslaughter count. Officials also confirmed the suspect told investigators he had used heroin prior to the collision; further toxicology and investigative results may be released as the case proceeds.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Elvin Hernandez, Bridgeport resident, CTDOT employee |
| Suspect | Edward Myers, 60, Derby resident; admitted heroin use before crash |
| Charge highlighted | Second‑degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle |
| Location | I‑95 southbound near exit 21, Fairfield |
| Time of crash | About 10:35 a.m. |
Connecticut state and local officials typically investigate such collisions jointly; the outcome may include additional criminal charges, administrative action and civil remedies for the family of the deceased. For Bridgeport residents, the immediate concern is both honoring the life of a city resident and addressing preventive steps to avoid similar tragedies.
Officials with CTDOT did not release further operational details about the maintenance activity Hernandez was performing or whether safety protocols such as vehicle buffer zones, signage or lane closures were in effect at the time. State police said the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Mayor Ganim’s statement to the community closed with an appeal to residents to keep Hernandez’s family and coworkers in their thoughts. "This is a heartbreaking loss for his family and friends, and for our Bridgeport community," he said, adding that the city extends its deepest condolences to Hernandez’s family and colleagues.
WE NEWS will continue to follow the state police investigation and any prosecutions or administrative actions that arise from the crash. Readers with information relevant to the case are urged to contact Connecticut State Police as the inquiry proceeds.
