Tragedy Averted After Plow Slams Into Transformer at Vernon Apartment Complex

VERNON, CT ‒ A tragedy was averted after a snowplow rammed into a transformer at an apartment complex in Vernon on Saturday, sending a power surge throughout the complex, emergency management officials said.

The accident took place Saturday afternoon at the Dobbs Crossing complex at 1170 Hartford Turnpike, the local name for state Route 30, emergency management officials said. The complex is home to many families.

When the plow hit the transformer, it sent a "huge" power surge into buildings G, H and F inside the the complex.

Coaxial cables were "fried" and as a result, small fires broke out in several units, an emergency management official said.

A coordinated effort on the part of local emergency management officials, police, firefighters, utilities, cable and internet companies and property manager Conover Residential Corp. averted "something that could have been a tragedy," emergency management officials said.

A Senior Center transport bus was brought on scene to serve as a temporary shelter and warming hut, emergency management officials said.

Photo Credit: Vernon Emergency Management