Emergency workers on scene of a tanker truck that overturned on Route 91 north around noon on Wednesday, June 20, just before the parking area and Exit 24, that closed both north and southbound lanes.
Emergency workers on scene of a tanker truck that overturned on Route 91 north around noon on Wednesday, June 20, just before the parking area and Exit 24, that closed both north and southbound lanes. Credit: Recorder Staff/Paul Franz

WHATELY — The male victim in Wednesday afternoon’s fatal crash has been identified as Jody Crosby, 47, of Seymour, Conn.

Massachusetts State Police responded yesterday around noon to a tractor trailer rollover on Route 91 northbound, near the Whately rest stop, which claimed the life of the driver.

State Trooper Amy Maclean said the driver was operating a 2018 Freightliner tractor, which was pulling a tanker trailer with gasoline, and was traveling northbound on Route 91 when the operator lost control of the vehicle, causing it to travel off the right side of the road and rollover.

Travel on the interstate in the area of the crash had been down to one lane of travel for several miles due to construction when the incident occurred.

According to state police, Crosby — the operator and sole occupant of the truck — was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

State police were assisted at the scene by Whately Fire and EMS, Regional Hazmat, Westover Fire, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Mass DOT and the Massachusetts Medical Examiner’s Office.