Dozens Hurt When Bus Rolls on Conn. Interstate

Madison — Traffic heading northbound on Interstate 95 was snarled for hours near Madison after a bus carrying 55 passengers rolled over between Exits 61 and 62.

The accident occurred during a snowstorm that is expected to drop 4 to 8 inches of snow in southeastern Connecticut, with smaller amounts likely elsewhere in the state.

According to Cody Chapman, a Mohegan Sun spokesman, the bus was heading to Mohegan Sun. He said Mohegan Sun officials are working to gather more details.

Chapman added that additional buses coming to the casino from New York have been rerouted and sent back to New York.

A Yale-New Haven Hospital spokesman said hospital officials were told to expect 30 patients, six of whom were listed in critical condition.

State police said those on the Dahlia tour bus who were uninjured were taken to a nearby warming center.

Shortly after the 12:30 p.m. accident, a DOT traffic camera showed a slew of ambulances and other emergency vehicles surrounding the bus, which was lying on its side off the right shoulder of the snowy road.

By 2:45 p.m., just a few emergency vehicles remained around the bus.

DOT officials did not estimate how long it would take to reopen the road.

In a Monday afternoon statement, Gov. Dannel Malloy said he is monitoring the situation closely.

"Our thoughts are with those who are injured, and we extend our gratitude to the first responders who are working to protect the safety of all those involved," Malloy said. "We urge all those who must travel to use added caution, allow extra time to travel and reduce speeds as conditions warrant."

Ashley Polo, a spokeswoman with Foxwoods Resort Casino, said the casino has canceled all its incoming bus lines for the day.

According to Gary Lessor — a meteorologist who serves as the Western Connecticut State University Weather Center's assistant director — the snowstorm likely won't taper off until after 4 p.m.

Schools across the region closed in preparation for the winter storm, and some municipalities, including New London and Norwich, issued parking bans.

By 10:30 a.m., the storm wasS bringing sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph. Gusts could reach between 40 and 50 mph, Lessor said.

In Ledyard, police said they had to help several drivers who were unable to keep driving because of poor road conditions and visibility.

Even after the brunt of the storm has passed tonight, Lessor said, the region likely will see additional light accumulations of snow through Thursday, followed by below-zero wind chills this weekend.

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