Car Slams Pole In Berlin, Flips; Driver Pulled Before It Erupts In Flames: Authorities

BERLIN, CT — Berlin police officers rescued a driver trapped inside an overturned vehicle just before it burst into flames Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

The single-vehicle crash occurred shortly before 4:05 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, on Spruce Brook Road, knocking down power lines, sparking a fire, and causing a substantial power outage that affected traffic signals along the Berlin Turnpike.

According to the Berlin Police Department, officers responded to the area of 464 Spruce Brook Road for a report of a rollover crash involving a trapped occupant.

Officers arrived to find a vehicle overturned on its roof with live electrical wires down on top of it.

Police said officers broke a window and helped the driver escape moments before the vehicle caught fire and became engulfed in flames.

The fire quickly spread to nearby brush and woods before arriving firefighters brought it under control.

The Berlin Volunteer Fire Department said Companies 1, 2 and 3 responded to the crash after fire resources were dispatched at 3:59 p.m. to the 500 block of Spruce Brook Road.

Fire officials initially received reports of a rollover with entrapment, fire, and downed power lines.

Firefighters extinguished the vehicle fire and flames that had spread to nearby grass and brush.

The driver, who was the vehicle's only occupant, was treated at the scene and transported to an area hospital.

Police described the injuries as non-life-threatening, while the fire department reported that the driver suffered serious injuries.

Authorities did not immediately identify the driver.

Crash Causes Power Outage, Road Closure

The collision damaged electrical infrastructure, bringing down power lines and causing a substantial outage in the surrounding area.

According to police, the outage also affected several traffic signals along the Berlin Turnpike.

Eversource crews were dispatched to repair the damaged equipment and restore electricity.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also responded to assist with hazardous materials mitigation involving a damaged transformer, according to the fire department.

Fire officials said Spruce Brook Road would remain closed while crews cleared hazards and utility repairs were completed.

An estimated reopening time was not provided.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information about the incident is asked to contact Officer Daniel Bennett at 860-828-7080.