EASTCONN Drivers Aid in Late-Night Evacuation of Seniors Following Power Outage
In the early morning hours of Sunday, February 16, EASTCONN transportation staff played a crucial role in evacuating dozens of elderly residents from a Thompson senior living community after a car accident left the complex without power and created potentially dangerous electrical conditions.
The incident began around 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, when a vehicle struck a utility pole at the corner of Riverside Drive and Route 200 in Thompson. Later that evening, residents at Gladys Green and Pineview Court Apartments began experiencing electrical issues, with multiple reports of outlets "popping" and other concerning electrical problems.
After receiving several 911 calls from worried residents, the West Thompson Fire Department responded to investigate. No fire, but with Eversource estimating power restoration would take approximately two days, fire officials determined that evacuating all residents - many of whom use walkers or require oxygen - was necessary for their safety.
