A man was severely injured this morning when a grate from a storm drain crashed through the windshield of the car he was driving on Interstate 95 North just before the Exit 13, according to State Police.
State police identified the driver Friday afternoon as Pawel Swierczynski, 39, of North Easton.
Investigators from the State Police and MassHighway continued an investigation of the accident Friday afternoon. Department of Public Works personnel were working to secure all storm drains on the road. The left and center lanes of I-95 North remained closed Friday afternoon as traffic backed up for several miles. The right and breakdown lanes were open to traffic, police said.
State Police said they expect the lanes to remain closed until about 5 p.m.
Two lanes of the highway remain closed for emergency road repair, police said.
According to a statement released by State Police, preliminary investigation by Trooper Matthew Harrington indicated Swierczynski was operating a 2003 Toyota Corolla on I-95 North in the middle travel lane when his vehicle struck a storm drain that was dislodged from the roadway by northbound traffic.
The storm drain entered through the Toyota’s windshield and struck Swierczynski.
State Police said Friday that a Norwell woman notified state officials Wednesday of loose storm drain covers in the road. MassHighway officials investigated the tip, police said.
Westwood police said that State Police requested EMS in response to the accident at 5:38 a.m. A medflight helicopter was dispatched to transport the injured driver at 5:51 a.m. All three lanes of I-95 North were blocked to make way for the helicopter from 6:11 to 6:35 a.m.
Police said the Toyota traveled across the left travel lane, collided into the median Jersey Barrier and then came to rest in the left lane. Swierczynski sustained serious injuries in the crash and was transported to Brigham and Women’s Hospital by medical helicopter.
Police said he was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.
Travelers are advised to seek alternate routes as the traffic congestion is expected to be heavy until the road is reopened.
