By Olivia Drake, HVFCo. Public Info. Officer.
At 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2018 Haddam Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on Killingworth Road near the Route 9 ramp intersection. All four patients involved in the accident were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
A driver, who was evading police in a high-speed chase, had exited Route 9 at exit 9, failed to stop, and struck a vehicle traveling on Killingworth Road. That vehicle, which contained a driver and two passengers, rolled over upon impact.
HVFC personnel provided care to the driver, who ultimately was transported to Hartford Hospital via Hunters Ambulance. The front seat passenger was transported to Hartford Hospital via Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service, and the rear seat passenger also was transported to Hartford Hospital via Chester Ambulance with a paramedic from Middlesex Hospital.
The other vehicle’s operator, who is in custody of the Connecticut State Police, was transported to Middlesex Hospital via Hunters Ambulance. According to a report issued by the CSP, the driver was observed traveling 89 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. He was arrested and charged with reckless driving, operating under suspension, failure to have minimum insurance, engaging in pursuit, evading responsibility, interfering with a police officer, reckless endangerment, possession of less than 1/2 ounce of marijuana, assault 2nd degree and assault 3rd degree.
During the incident, crews allowed traffic to flow on one lane of Killingworth Road. Following the incident, the CSP accident reconstruction team requested all traffic be rerouted as they worked to investigate. HVFC personnel closed a section of Killingworth Road between Little City Road and the Route 9 off ramp for about two hours.
Once both vehicles were removed and the CSP completed its investigation, Killingworth Road was re-opened.
We came up on the scene shortly after the incident and saw how hard the Haddam Volunteers fire rescue worked, it makes me feel proud to live in a community with such dedicated volunteers. Having only moved here six months ago I can honestly say I am so grateful for the blessing thAt is Higganum/Haddam. And how sad is it that innocent people are hurt because some idiot decided to run from the police. Thank you to our volunteers and our Troopers for trying to keep us safe