עקסידענט פון אייז אין קאנעקטיקוט
A truck crashed into a utility pole in Southington, Connecticut, on December 14 after extreme cold turned snow-covered roads into sheets of ice following the weekend’s winter storm.
The crash occurred after a snowfall left approximately 2.2 inches of snow on the ground. As temperatures dropped sharply, road conditions deteriorated, creating hazardous driving conditions throughout the area. A local resident captured the incident on video, showing the truck losing control on a curved stretch of road before slamming into the pole.
Despite the force of the impact, the driver was able to exit the vehicle on his own and walk to a nearby ambulance for evaluation. Authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, and the driver walked away unharmed.
Residents familiar with the roadway noted that the truck appeared to enter the curve at excessive speed given the icy conditions. The incident served as a reminder that four-wheel drive may improve traction but does not enhance braking on ice, where speed control and proper winter tires are critical for safety.
The crash also caused secondary disruptions in the neighborhood. A downed utility pole led to a power outage lasting roughly six hours, cutting electricity to nearby buildings. One resident said the outage left her mother’s apartment building without elevator service, temporarily stranding elderly and disabled tenants inside.
Local officials urged drivers to exercise extreme caution during winter weather, especially in the days following snowfall when melting and refreezing can create invisible ice. The incident underscores how quickly routine winter driving can become dangerous when cold temperatures persist.