UPDATE: Driver Listed in Critical Condition After Hitting Tree Friday Night in Haddam

Update: The driver of the vehicle that crashed into a tree Friday night has been identified as Joel Junokas Jr., 40, of Hendley St. in Middletown, according to police. Hartford Hospital is listing Junkas in critical condition as of Saturday morning.

Original story:

At 10:20pm Friday, Jan. 13, the received a call for a single car motor vehicle crash on Old County Road. Upon arrival, the first officer evaluated the single victim, a male, who was pinned in the vehicle.  Firefighters used Hurst extrication tools to cut him out of the car which was partially wrapped around a tree.  The vehicle may have been airborne as it left the road prior to impacting the tree. 

The patient was transported by and Middlesex Hospital Paramedic to Lifestar Helicopter which was landed in a field alongside Route 81.  Haddam Fire was assisted by who handled the Lifestar landing zone. The patient was transported to Hartford Hospital in critical condition.

Submitted by Bob Norton, Haddam Volunteer Fire Company Public Information Liaison