Single-Car Accident Shuts Down Old Stafford Road

A single-car accident Tuesday morning that shut down a section of Old Stafford Road was caused by a driver who bent down to pick up his cell phone that had dropped to floor of his vehicle and then struck a utility pole, according to police and fire personnel.

Ron M. Zannoni, 36, of Stafford Springs, was not injured in the accident, according to state police. No charges had been filed as of Tuesday night. The 2003 Chevrolet Suburban Zannoni was driving was towed from the scene.

Zannoni was traveling south along Old Stafford Road near the intersection of Curtis Drive when he crossed over onto the northbound side and struck a CL&P pole, severely damaging the pole and the attached transformer, according to police and fire reports. A second utility pole was also damaged enough to require replacement. As a result power was interrupted in the area for more than an hour and a portion of Old Stafford Road was closed to through traffic until late into the night, according to Tolland Fire Public Information Officer Seale Tuttle.   

CL&P crews worked to repair lines and restore electric service to the area while personnel from the Tolland Fire Department re-directed traffic throughout the day. 

Utility crews continued working to replace the damaged lines well into the night requiring that Old Stafford Road remain closed between Cook Road and Robbie Road. State police later took over the traffic detail from the fire department volunteers.