Clinton Property Owner in Critical Condition Following Windsor Crash

The driver of an SUV that crashed through the Bloomfield Avenue highway barrier wall and fell on I-91 has been identified, according to Windsor Police.

The driver, who remains in critical condition at Hartford Hospital, is Richard Mazzella, 46, of Clinton, police said in a statement released the afternoon of March 26. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Clinton First Selectman Willie Fritz said Mazzella owns property in town.

According to town assessment records, he owns 25 Riverside Drive #C2, a condo. His address has been listed in the records as the Riverside Drive Street as well as an unidentified street address in Madison, but the Madison residence is not confirmed.

According to the Windsor police statement, Mazzella's 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee exited the northbound HOV land on I-91, crossed the Bloomfield Avenue intersection and collided with the overpass wall, penetrating the concrete wall.

Mazzella's vehicle then fell 25 feet, and landed on its roof, where Windsor police officers found the car on fire.

According to Windsor Police Capt. Tom LePore, Windsor Volunteer Ambulance transported Mazzella to Hartford Hospital.

The driver is in "very critical condition," LePore said.

It’s unclear what caused the driver to crash through the overpass wall and on to the highway, LaPore said, adding that the trajectory of the crash indicates that the driver was heading northbound on I-91, exited on the left-hand HOV lane and did not stop when he approached the intersection before crashing through the overpass barrier ahead.

The accident remains under investigation, according to Windsor Police.

The department is seeking the help of anyone with information regarding what happened before Mazzella's vehicle left the highway and hit the wall. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Windsor Police Department by calling 860-688-5273.  The accident happened the morning of March 26.

Editor's note: A Richard Mazzella, 70, also owns property in Clinton (John Street and West Main Street) and should not be confused with the R. Mazzella, 46, in this story.