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Christina Vomoca, 38, who was the driver of the vehicle, and Maiko Kobayashi, 32, remained in critical condition Tuesday in Stamford Hospital, police said. They are both stylists at the Hopscotch Salon at 10 Railroad Ave. in Greenwich and had just left work to return home to Stamford when the accident occurred.
At about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, the tractor-trailer exited I-95 southbound at Exit 3 and then continued straight across Arch Street to re-enter the highway at Exit 3, police said.
But the truck slammed into the passenger vehicle, which was traveling south on Arch Street, police said. Traffic was heavy on I-95 at the time because of another accident.
Police have not identified the tractor-trailer driver. The Greenwich Fire Department had to extract Vomoca and Kobayashi from the car in order to allow GEMS personnel to treat them, police said.
The driver of the truck was not injured, police said.
According to the GoFundMe page, both women suffered major brain injuries and are fighting for their lives. Sarah Potter, a manager at Hopscotch Salon, said both women are loved and respected by their peers and their clients at the salon.
"They are the most amazing women and they are best friends," said Potter, who was at the hospital. Salon employees have been taking turns going to the hospital to provide whatever support they can.
Vomoca is a native of Brazil who came to the U.S. in her teens. She has a brother who lives in Stamford, and has a 2-year-old son, Oliver. Vomoca has suffered major brain injuries and is clinging to life at this time, according to the website. Kobayashi was born in Japan, and like Vomoca, came to the U.S. in her early teens. A skilled violin player, she has worked as a hairstylist for 12 years.
"Their determination and passion for life gives us the hope that they will become our miracles!" the GoFundMe page says.
"With so much unknown as of now, the one thing we do know is that neither family should have to worry about any financial strains."
Potter said Kobayashi has no immediate family in the United States. A client of Vomoca's who is a senior airline executive arranged for Vomoca's parents to fly free of charge from Brazil.
Both women are avid runners, health and fitness fanatics, world travelers, according to the site.
The GoFundMe account's goal is $150,000, and about $45,000 had been raised as of Tuesday evening.
Potter said the money would go to help to cover loss of income, monthly living expenses, any recovery and rehab care, and to help Cristina's son, Oliver, for his future.
The accident on Exit 3 occurred about an hour after a fatal crash occurred along I-95, which was causing delays and traffic tie-ups in the area.
Click here to visit the GoFundMe page.
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