Driver Killed, Passenger Seriously Injured In Groton Dump Truck Crash

GROTON, CT — One man was killed and another seriously injured when a dump truck struck a tree in Groton on Monday morning, according to police. Police received several 911 calls regarding a serious motor vehicle accident on Fort Hill Road in the area of Vergennes Court at 10:55 a.m.

Officers arrived and found a dump truck had struck a tree on the south side of Fort Hill Road just east of Vergennes Court. The driver was still in the truck but was not conscious or alert. A passenger was trapped in the truck.

Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, Mystic River Ambulance, Groton Ambulance, and L&M Hospital paramedics responded to assist and provide medical aid to the driver and passenger.

The driver, later identified as James Turner, 69, of Groton, was transported to L&M Hospital in New London where he was pronounced deceased.

Fire personnel used the jaws of life to remove the passenger from the truck.

The passenger suffered a serious head injury and was transported to L&M Hospital. He was then flown by Life Star Helicopter to Hartford Hospital for further treatment.

An initial investigation found that the dump truck was traveling west on Fort Hill Road just west of Central Avenue. The truck then veered sharply to the left and accelerated as it crossed the eastbound lane, according to police.

The truck then drove off the road, striking a large tree where it came to rest.

This accident remains under investigation. If anyone witnessed this crash or has other information on this case, please call the Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712.