A four-car accident on the Merritt Parkway claimed one man's life Thursday.

State police said George Chamiec, of Trumbull, died in the accident. The crash occurred on the parkway's northbound side near exit 52 in Trumbull. The other victims suffered minor injuries and were taken to Bridgeport Hospital, police said.

The incident forced state police to shut down the parkway for hours as they cleared cars off the road. Police said during Thanksgiving Day alone, officers responded to at least 148 accidents. Sixteen of those involved injury.

Police also reported issuing at least 310 tickets for seat belt violations, 270 for speeding and 337 for other safety violations.