Branford Police are investigating a serious one car crash that happened just before noon today, snarling traffic on West Main Street by Orchard Hill Road for over three hours.

Police have determined that Kevin Cudgma, 46, of 36 Gentile Place was traveling westbound on Route 1 when he lost control of his vehicle, veered off the right side of the road and collided with a utility pole.

Cudgma had to be extricated from his vehicle for over 45 minutes by Branford Fire Department personnel including his brother John, who was on-duty as a career firefighter. Once extricated, Cudgma was transported to an area medical facility for further treatment by Fire Department Paramedics.

Sergeant Richard Dahlin, who supervised the investigation, said that preliminary reports indicate that Cudgma's vehicle may have been experiencing mechanical problems at the time of the crash. "At this point we intend on impounding the vehicle and having it examined by mechanics to determine if mechanical failures were a factor in the crash." said Dahlin.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Officer John Cassella at 203-481-4241.