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Man dies from injuries in head-on crash that closed Route 8 in Watertown Wednesday night

A preliminary investigation indicated the crash was caused by a wrong-way driver. 51-year-old Him Heap later succumbed to his injuries at Waterbury Hospital.
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WATERTOWN, Conn. — State Police say a two-car crash that closed Route 8 Southbound Wednesday night is in fact fatal.

A preliminary investigation indicated the crash was caused by a wrong-way driver.

At the time of the crash, 51-year-old Him Heap, of Bristol was traveling in the left lane of two on Route 8 South at the Exit 36 off-ramp.

Jose Manuel Portillo-martinez, 27, of Cheshire was traveling in the wrong direction, northbound on the southbound side of Route 8. 

Officials say the vehicles collided in a head-on style crash.

Both drivers were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries.

Heap later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at Waterbury Hospital.

The involved vehicles sustained heavy damage in the collision and were towed from the scene.

State Police say the crash is still under investigation, however weather was clear, the roadway was dry and there was a light flow of traffic at the time.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact TFC Jonathan Wildman at the Troop A State Police barracks at (203) 267-2200 Ext.4372.

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