02/13/12 Seven vehicle pileup among icy traffic chaos in Byram

A small amount of snow quickly turned to ice Sunday night, causing traffic chaos around Byram, including a seven-vehicle crash on West Putnam Avenue around 6 p.m.

A Connecticut Transit bus involved in the accident sideswiped an older-model Mercedes-Benz 300 and pinned it against the curb. A newer-model BMW 535 struck the rear left of the bus.

The multi-vehicle accident occurred in the westbound lanes at the intersection with Byram Terrace less than a quarter mile from the New York State line.

The snow was around 5:30 and it turned to ice.

The vehicles sustained generally minor damage, however, a few vehicles had to be towed.

Police closed down westbound traffic at West Putnam Avenue at East Weaver Street until a town salt truck could be brought to the scene. A police cruiser led the way for the truck through congested traffic to put salt on the road. The salt melted the ice quickly, and police let westbound traffic through around 7:30 p.m.