Crash sends one to hospital

MIDDLETOWN — A driver involved in a two-car collision Monday night on Washington Street, which caused their vehicle to flip onto its roof, escaped without injury, according to a fire official.

The other driver was taken to Middlesex Hospital for minor injuries, Middletown Fire Deputy Chief Al Leary said. When authorities arrived, all those involved were out of their vehicles.

The crash took place at the corner of Washington Street/Route 66 and Pearl Street at about 8:35 p.m., according to Middletown police Lt. Heather Desmond. In a photo from the scene, the sedan is seen overturned on the sidewalk at the east side of Pearl Street.

Accidents frequently occur along that stretch of highway, Leary said.

Middletown Common Councilman Ed McKeon, who lives nearby, said he crosses that intersection daily. “When walking, it’s easy to see how dangerous traffic patterns are. So many cars roll right through stop signs, and many make a right on red without ever checking for pedestrians.”

Motorists, who he’s seen speed by there frequently, seem to be in a hurry to get to Main Street. “During the construction on the north end of Main Street, it’s gotten worse,” he said. “Crews have blocked crosswalks without notice.

“This accident last night is a reminder that, as traffic is encouraged to move more rapidly on Main and Washington, pedestrians will be more at risk of drivers who are anxious to get through Middletown as quickly as possible,” McKeon said.

Contributed photo / Bruce Driska A two-car collision at Washington and Pearl streets in Middletown sent one person to the hospital with minor injuries on Monday evening.