Person dies when tree falls onto car in Groton
Groton — Town police are investigating a fatal accident that happened when a tree fell onto a car on Flanders Road during the height of this morning's severe thunderstorm.
Detective Lt. John Varone said Flanders Road was closed for several hours while the Accident Investigation Team investigated. The accident happened around 6:20 a.m.
Varone said responding officers discovered that a tree had fallen onto the car, heavily damaging the roof of the SUV-type vehicle. The car was traveling south when it was struck.
The lone occupant of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver's name is being withheld until next of kin is notified, he said.
In addition to police, the Poquonnock Bridge and Mystic fire departments along with the Mystic River Ambulance Corps responded to the scene.
The fast-moving thunderstorm downed numerous trees and wires in the region.
East Lyme police had reported that the area of 40 Black Point Road was down to one lane after a tree fell onto the roadway.
Groton had also reported that portions of Brandegee Avenue and Meridian Street were closed.
In Stonington, downed trees and wires closed portions of Al Harvey Road, Route 27, Greenmanville Avenue, Greenhaven Road and River Road.
The National Weather Service said that scattered showers and thunderstorms were expected before 9 a.m. The weather service said there is also a possibility of isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon. Some of those storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain.
As of 12 p.m., Eversource is reporting that 5,267 customers statewide are without power. The majority of those customers - 4,649 - are located in Stonington. The utility company is also reporting that 129 customers in Groton are in the dark.
i.larraneta@theday.com
Twitter: @larraneta
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