OLD SAYBROOK — Police are investigating after a fiery single-car crash took the life of a young woman late Friday night.
First responders encountered a vehicle fully consumed by an inferno upon arriving to the intersection of Middlesex Turnpike and Bokum Road at about 10:45 p.m.
Two police officers fearlessly ran up to the burning vehicle and attempted to pull the operator out of the driver’s seat. Despite their brave efforts, the heroic officers were unable to save the woman’s life due to the overwhelming heat and flames.
A 22-year-old female victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are withholding her identity pending notification to her immediate family members.
The two officers who attempted to save the operator’s life were transported to Middlesex Medical Center Shoreline for fire-related injuries. They sustained smoke inhalation and slight burns while attempting to free the woman from her seat. They were treated and released a short time later.
Subsequent reconstruction efforts revealed that the young woman’s vehicle was traveling northbound on Middlesex Turnpike at the time of the crash. She then appears to have lost control before striking a tree at the corner of Bokum Road.
A portion of of the turnpike was closed for about five hours overnight as investigators surveyed the intersection and cleared debris. There were no other vehicles involved in the collision.
Detectives have not yet determined a cause in relation to the accident. Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have information is asked to contact Old Saybrook Police at (860) 395-3142.
