Essex , VT : Two people were killed and third person was injured after Head on crash due to Icy weather on Monday , January 19th 2015

Icy weather turned deadly Monday morning on a Vermont highway.

Two people were killed and a third sent to the hospital after a crash in Essex.

"They were wet and generally dangerous," said Lt. Ken Beaulieu, Essex Police Department.

That's how Beaulieu described road conditions on Route 289 in Essex Monday morning. The stretch of slush covered highway turned deadly for two drivers despite being salted.

"At this point we haven't ruled out weather-related conditions, but we also haven't ruled out medical related conditions as well," said Beaulieu.

Police say 78-year-old Pearl Farley crossed the center line just before 7 a.m. The Colchester woman's Toyota Camry collided head-on with 55-year-old Neil McKee's SUV. This is what's left of their vehicles. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. McKee's son and passenger, 28-year-old James McKee was taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Investigators say no one involved was wearing a seatbelt.

"Certainly road conditions in Vermont in the wintertime are something to be considered every time you leave the house. People need to drive with due care at all times and seat belts are a must," said Beaulieu.

Route 289 between exits 7 and 9 was shut down for more than three hours while police investigated the crash. They're asking anyone who may have seen it or who has more information to call them.


source :
2 dead in Essex head-on crash