DERBY – A tractor-trailer driver was attempting to turn right from Main Street onto Derby Avenue when he hit a curb and then a wall in front of St. Michael’s Church, according to a crash report.
The driver, Hensel A. Fogo, 36, of New Britain, was seriously injured in the crash, which happened about 4:40 a.m. Monday (Sept. 28). He was listed in good condition on Tuesday.
Police said Fogo was driving a tractor-trailer on Route 34 (Main Street) west when he came to the T-intersection where motorists can make a left to head toward Division Street or make a right to continue on Route 34 and head toward New Haven.
Fogo attempted to turn right, but drove across four lanes of Route 34 in front of the church, according to a crash report. He struck a curb, and then struck a concrete wall and chain-link fence head-on.
The impact caused enough damage to trap the injured driver inside his cab. Emergency responders had to cut Fogo out of the wreckage while Tracy’s Garage stabilized the truck, which is owned by a company out of East Hartford.
While the crash happened as a Nor’easter completed its tour of the region, the crash report does not list the wet road – nor any other factor – as contributing to the wreck.
Derby Police Chief Brian Grogan said it is possible Fogo may have fallen asleep. Officers will follow up. The truck will also be checked for any possible mechanical malfunction.
Fogo was ticketed for failing to stay in the proper lane.
The crash tied up traffic in Derby for the rush hour and caused Derby buses to be late for morning drop off.