Traffic was blocked for two hours on Route 4 in Killington due to a head-on collision after a car collided with a tractor trailer around 4:30 p.m.on Jan. 13
Police said Joseph Ceccacci of Killington was traveling west on Route in the passing lane near Winterberry Road in a 2005 Dodge Ram pickup. Witnesses report they observed Ceccacci’s vehicle go into a spin and contact a tractor trailer that was travelling east down the hill.
Ceccacci’s vehicle spun approximately three times before coming to rest in the west bound ditch, police said, according to witnesses. Ceccacci was reportedly ejected from his vehicle and found lying unconscious beside it where he was administered medical attention by bystanders. Ceccacci was traveling with his dog, Arlo who was seen running into the woods near Winterberry Road seconds after the crash.
The tractor trailer, operated by Hunter Daniels attempted to brake but due to icy conditions, travelled across both westbound lanes before contacting the ditch. Daniels advised he had been hauling water but was currently empty. The tanker came to rest blocking both westbound lanes. Daniels was not injured.
Traffic in both directions was stopped for approximately two hours before opening up to one lane of travel and then intermittently closed while wreckers positioned for safe removal of both vehicles. Ceccacci’s vehicle was towed by Killington Auto. The tractor trailer was removed by Lymans Towing of Royalton after a lengthy process to separate the tractor and trailer and tow each individually.
Ceccacci was transported via ambulance to Rutland Regional Medical Center where he is listed in critical, but stable condition.
Off-duty Fair Haven Police Department Officer Cheri Mcdermott hiked into the woods in an effort to find Ceccassi’s dog but was unable to locate him. The dog was still unable to be found as of Jan. 14.
Bystanders not identified at the scene that wish to provide additional information can call the police at 802-422-3200.
