Danbury crash sends two to hospital with serious injuries

On Thursday, December 1, at approximately 10:40am, a motor vehicle collision occurred on Mountainville Road, at the intersection of Mountain Road in Danbury.

While negotiating a left-hand curve in the roadway, a 1997 Ford Explorer being operated by Ricardo Andrande of Danbury, left the paved roadway surface. The Explorer proceeded to strike a State Traffic Commission sign located within the right roadside area. The Explorer continued to straddle the roadway and right roadside area, striking a utility pole support cable and utility pole in the process. The Vehicle traveled across a private driveway before entering the residential property located at 13 Mountainville Road. The Explorer proceeded to roll over on the grass of the residential property, eventually coming to an uncontrolled final rest at the top of the paved driveway of the property, facing a southerly direction in an upright position.

The operator, Andrade, extricated himself from the vehicle, suffering suspected serious injuries. His passenger was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover, suffering serious injuries as a result. Both occupants were transported to Danbury Hospital for their injuries.

During the collision investigation, it was determined that the 1997 Ford Explorer had previously been reported stolen to the Danbury Police Department. It was also determined that prior to the collision, the 1997 Ford Explorer was being followed by a Danbury Police Officer who was working at a roadside construction assignment and recognized the vehicle as a reported stolen motor vehicle. The Danbury Police Officer attempted to stop the Explorer to no avail. Upon completion of the collision scene investigation the Explorer was towed to Troop A in Southbury.

This is an active and on-going investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision or moments prior, are asked to contact Trooper Class Gregory Trahan #928 of the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad at 860-779-4917 or email gregory.trahan@ct.gov. 

The Connecticut State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit was assisted at the scene by CT State Police, Western District Major Crime Unit, Troop A, and Danbury Police Department.