On March 16, 2013 at 11:17 PM, the Fairfield Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a vehicle accident with injuries and people trapped on the Merritt Parkway Northbound between exits 42 and 44. Fairfield’s Engine 5, Ladder 2 and Car 3 were dispatched to the location and were advised that the vehicle was off the road and in the woods. Due to the location, the Westport Fire Department was also responding to the scene. A few minutes later, a second vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Grasmere Ave near Roanoke Ave. Multiple callers to 911 indicated a vehicle had rolled over and people were trapped. Fairfield’s Engine 2 and Ladder 1 were dispatched to this location. Car 3 diverted from the initial accident location and arrived on Grasmere Ave to find a three car vehicle accident with a SUV rolled over in the street and a strong odor of gasoline. Two other damaged vehicles were also found in the roadway with significant damage but were determined to have been parked and unoccupied at the time of the accident. A protective hose line and fire extinguishers were deployed to prevent ignition of gasoline fumes. Ladder 1 personnel assessed and provided medical care to the two occupants of the rolled over vehicle along with AMR ambulance and police personnel. One of the damaged vehicles, a red Jeep, was leaking gas and ladder personnel controlled the leaks and controlled hazards on site. One victim was in critical condition and required immediate transport to Bridgeport Hospital, the second victim of the rolled over SUV was still being assessed by AMR after refusing care at the scene. The last Fairfield fire unit cleared the Grasmere Ave scene at approximately 12:24 AM on March 17, 2013. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Fairfield Police Department.
The Westport Fire Department arrived first on the initial Merritt parkway accident and found two people trapped in a car and initiated care and stabilization operations. Fairfield fire units arrived and coordinated with Westport Fire Department members on scene of the accident. For additional information on this accident, contact Westport Fire Department or the Connecticut State Police.
***Photos of Grasmere Ave scene attached showing damaged vehicles (victims removed)
