Car slams into pole on Route 1 in Branford

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- It took firefighters over nearly an hour to extract a man from his truck after it slammed into a utility pole on Route 1 in Branford.

Police say 46-year-old Kevin Cudgma was driving along when he lost control of his car and crashed with a utility pole just before noon on Route 1 near Orchard Hill Road.

It took firefighters over 45 minutes to extract him.

Officials say Cudgma's brother, who is a career firefighter, assisted with the extraction.

Cudgma was alert and talking after he was freed. He was transported to the hospital to be evaluated.

Preliminary reports indicate that Cudgma's car may have been experiencing mechanical problems which lead to the crash.

"At this point we intend on impounding the vehicle and having it examined by mechanics to determine if mechanical failures were a factor in the crash," said Sergeant Richard Dahlin.

The pole was severely damaged from the impact and traffic was backed up for three hours while crews were on the scene.

Adding to the difficult extraction what the fact that several firefighters were battling fatigue and heat exhaustion.

No one else was injured in the crash.  

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Officer John Cassella at 203-481-4241..