One dead after car crashes into Manchester building, sparking fire, officials say

Skyler Frazer, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read

Jun. 24—MANCHESTER — A car crashed into an apartment building on Center Street early this morning, killing the driver and causing a structure fire that left the building at least temporarily uninhabitable, officials said.

Police Lt. Ryan Shea said it appears the car was speeding while heading east on Center Street. It crossed the double yellow lines and went off the north side of the road, through a fence and trees, before hitting the building at 207-209 Center St., he said

The car and the building were engulfed in flames.

An unidentified person was found dead near the vehicle and is believed to be the driver, Shea said. Police are continuing to investigate.

Fire officials said that they arrived at the scene at 2:48 a.m. Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS Chief Daniel French said that the fire was concentrated in the front of the building and the second floor and attic when they arrived.

Firefighters' initial efforts at an interior attack were thwarted by the growing intensity of fire, officials said, and defensive operations were employed until the structure was safe to be entered.

French said that seven adults and seven children were living in the building, although some weren't home at the time. Residents managed to get out of the building, he said.

There were no reported injuries to residents or firefighters, French said.

In total, 17 personnel from Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS, six from the 8th Utilities District Fire Department, and nine from the East Hartford Fire Department responded to the blaze.

Fire officials remained at the scene for much of the morning.

Meanwhile, officials from the American Red Cross said the organization is helping three families that were displaced after the fire. Among other forms of immediate assistance, the Red Cross is providing the residents comfort kits containing personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving supplies, and other items they might need.

Red Cross caseworkers will connect with the families in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan.

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