1 Dead in Essex Firetruck, Car Serious Crash on Route 9

A Deep River man was killed after his vehicle rear-ended a firetruck on Route 9 Tuesday night.

The crash happened on Route 9 southbound near exit 3 around 7 p.m. A firetruck and passenger car got into a serious crash on Route 9 southbound.

According to state police, the Essex Fire Department had responded to a previous accident in the area and the fire engine was parked in the right lane of the highway with its emergency lights on.

Police said a Toyota Corolla driving in the right line rear-ended the firetruck.

The driver of the Toyota, identified as William Spitzschuh, 80, was seriously injured and pronounced dead on scene.

The driver of the firetruck, identified as James Mack, 54, of Essex, was taken to the Shoreline Clinic for evaluation. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

State police continue to investigate. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to contact State Police Troop F at 860-399-2100.

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