Single-Car Accident Cuts Power, Sends One to St. Francis Hospital

Unable to negotiate a turn on Old Post Road near the town's highway garage, the driver of a 1993 Toyota Tercel struck a telephone poll, snapping it in half and then rolling his vehicle.

Thomas Elliott, 18, of Shenipsit Road, was injured in the accident, which occurred shortly after 10:30 p.m. Thursday and taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Hartford for evaluation, according to state police. Information was not available on his condition Friday morning. Elliott was wearing a seatbelt, according to police.

According to Connecticut State Police Troop C, Elliott was traveling at a high rate of speed along the road when he failed to negotiate a slight turn, losing control of the late model Toyota sedan and striking a pole on the left side of the road before rolling his car.

Elliott has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to driver right and traveling at an unreasonably fast speed.

Old Post Road will remain closed for the time being as crews from SNET work to replace the pole. At one point overnight about 55 houses and properties in the area were without power. As of 10:30 a.m. only six remained without electricity.