PORTLAND, CT — A Route 66 crash in Portland early Wednesday forced authorities to shut down both directions of the highway as crews worked to remove a severely damaged vehicle that had caught fire after veering off the road.
The crash occurred around 4:30 a.m. near the intersection of Middle Haddam Road and the Cobalt Center. According to the Portland Police Department, the vehicle left the roadway, tumbled down an embankment nearly 75 feet, and ignited into flames.
Emergency responders arrived promptly and transported the vehicle’s occupants to MidState Medical Center, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Due to the precarious position of the vehicle and ensuing fire damage, officials initiated a full closure of Route 66 in Portland starting at 11 a.m. to facilitate a safe recovery operation. Traffic was diverted at Middle Haddam Road and the Cobalt Center, and drivers were urged to avoid the area. The duration of the closure was not immediately specified.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
