Details Fuzzy As Nissan SUV Takes Out NL Fire Hydrant

 Published on 11/21/2007  THE DAY

New London - Police were investigating a one-car accident Tuesday night on Bank Street. Details of how the accident happened were unclear, and the driver of the white Nissan Armada declined to comment.

The Armada was headed south on Bank Street when it apparently went out of control, struck a fire hydrant and then a utility pole. One witness said a car that came out of Howard Street cut off the SUV. Another said the Nissan and another vehicle were traveling at a high rate of speed when the Nissan went out of control. They said the other vehicle continued on Bank Street toward Waterford.

The Nissan knocked the 250-pound hydrant 99 feet. The front left wheel of the SUV, its front bumper and fender were on the ground near the utility pole, which had a three-foot-long chunk ripped from it. The windshield was shattered and the driver's door hung precariously. The driver appeared unhurt and did not require medical attention.

Earth Tech, which manages the city's water service, shut off the water supply to the hydrant. Northeast Utilities was expected inspect the pole for serviceability.