WILLINGTON, CT — A military vehicle crashed and caught fire on Interstate 84 in Willington Wednesday evening, state and Army authorities said.
State police said in a preliminary report that the military truck, registered to the Army, was traveling west on I-84, before exit 71, when the crash took place.
The truck flipped onto its passenger side and burst into flames at approximately 6:04 p.m., state police said. State police and fire crews from Willington and Tolland rushed to the scene.
The driver and passenger were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries, state police said.
The Massachusetts National Guard public affairs office said the truck was traveling to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey for scheduled training. Initial reports indicate the incident may have involved a mechanical failure, according to the Mass National Guard.
The accident remains under investigation, the Guard added. More information will be released when "appropriate," according to the Guard.
The Guard issued a statement:
"We are grateful for the rapid response and professionalism of the Connecticut State Police, local fire departments, EMS personnel, and all first responders who assisted at the scene.
"The safety and well-being of our Soldiers and Airmen remain our highest priority. The military recognizes that vehicle accidents remain among the leading causes of injuries and fatalities affecting service members, and we take extensive measures to mitigate risk through rigorous driver training, vehicle maintenance standards, safety oversight, and operational risk management procedures."
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