30-40 vehicle pile-up on icy Interstate

By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First

Vermont State Police continue to investigate a major traffic incident, which included a two-vehicle crash that killed a father and his four month old son and injured two others, on Interstate 91 in Rockingham on Saturday.

Chester Police and Ambulance, who were among those also asked to respond, found between 30 and 40 vehicles involved in collisions, rollovers, and crashes on the icy road about 9:45 a.m., Police Chief Thomas Williams said.

State Trooper James Guillaume said initial investigation indicated the northbound driver of a 2022 Hyundai with four occupants failed to stop in time due to icy roadway conditions, rear-ending a stopped 2024 Peterbilt 200 fuel tanker truck near exit 6 on I-91. Guillaume said it was snowy.

State police say the operator of the Hyundai passenger vehicle was Taylor Binnington, 39, of North Haven, Connecticut; he was pronounced dead on scene. His wife, Evelyn Lake, 36, was a passenger in the rear seat. Their 4-month-old son, Parry Lake, also was seated in the rear of the vehicle and was life-flighted to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where he later died of his injuries. Evelyn Lake and the couple’s 3-year-old son were taken by ambulance to DHMC for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The fuel tank driver, Michael Warner, 40, of Nelson, N.H. was uninjured, police said. Warner was wearing his seatbelt, police said.

At the same time there were upwards of 100 to 150 vehicles all stopped on the interstate unable to move, Chester Police said.

The incident scene spanned a section of I-91 for about 1.3 miles, Chester Police said.

“To say this was an involved incident is an understatement. We were happy to help where we can to serve our community and our neighbors and fellow emergency services surrounding us. Our thoughts are with those involved and injured in this incident today,” Williams said on Facebook.

Road conditions were reported to be slick at the time of the crash.

The northbound lanes were closed following the crash, but re-opened by evening.

This investigation involved VSP troopers including members of the Crash Reconstruction Team, with assistance from the Department of Motor Vehicles Enforcement and Safety Division. Also assisting were the Westminster and Rockingham Fire Departments, Golden Cross Ambulance, Rescue Inc, Agency of Transportation, SG Reed towing and J&M Auto.

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