A man was arrested for driving under the influence after causing a three-car crash on an exit ramp along Interstate 89 in Colchester, Vermont. The incident, which happened in the evening hours, created a major traffic jam and raised serious safety concerns for both drivers and law enforcement officers.
According to the Vermont State Police, the crash took place on the northbound exit ramp of I-89 near Exit 16. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene after getting several 911 calls about a multi-vehicle collision. When officers reached the area, they found three vehicles with visible damage. One car was partially blocking the ramp, while another had come to a stop on the shoulder. A third vehicle was slightly further up, showing signs of rear-end impact.
Police say the driver of one of the vehicles, identified as a man in his early 30s, appeared intoxicated at the scene. Officers noticed signs of impairment such as slurred speech, unsteady balance, and the smell of alcohol. After conducting field sobriety tests, which the driver reportedly failed, he was arrested on suspicion of DUI. He was taken into custody and later transported to a local station for further testing.
No major injuries were reported, but at least one person was treated at the scene for minor bruises and neck pain. All three vehicles had to be towed due to the extent of the damage. The ramp was closed temporarily while emergency services cleared the area and investigated the cause of the crash.
Witnesses at the scene shared that the man’s car appeared to be speeding before losing control and hitting the vehicle in front of him. That vehicle then hit a third car, causing a chain reaction. Some drivers nearby pulled over and offered help until the police and emergency medical personnel arrived.
The man who was arrested will likely face multiple charges, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, and possibly endangering public safety. His identity has not yet been released publicly, but authorities say he is from the local area and was driving alone at the time of the incident.
This crash has once again highlighted the ongoing problem of drunk driving in Vermont. Law enforcement officials have said they are increasing patrols and DUI checkpoints, especially during weekends and holidays, to prevent such accidents. They have urged all residents to be responsible behind the wheel and to make use of alternative transportation if they plan to drink.
State Police also used the incident as an opportunity to remind the public that even a small amount of alcohol can affect judgment, reaction time, and coordination. They added that DUI incidents are entirely preventable, and it takes just one bad decision to change lives forever.
Local authorities are now reviewing traffic footage from the area to fully understand what led to the crash. They are also asking any witnesses or drivers who were in the area at the time to come forward with more information.
The Colchester Fire Department and local EMS were also involved in the emergency response, helping to assess injuries and manage the traffic diversion. The exit ramp was reopened after about an hour, once the damaged vehicles were cleared and the scene was considered safe.
This incident adds to the growing list of DUI-related crashes in the state, prompting officials to discuss stricter enforcement and public education campaigns. With summer approaching, when more people are out on the roads, police are warning drivers to stay alert and make safer choices.
For now, the arrested driver remains in custody pending further investigation and court proceedings. Police have not said whether he has any prior offenses, but if convicted, he could face license suspension, heavy fines, and even jail time.
The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected in the coming days as police complete their report. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Vermont State Police at their local office.
Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of road accidents in the U.S., and incidents like this serve as a clear reminder of why it’s important to stay sober and focused when getting behind the wheel. The message from the authorities is simple — don’t drink and drive.
