A family is calling for safety improvements after a car crashed into their home for the second time in less than a year.
The latest incident happened on Wednesday morning when a vehicle left the roadway near the intersection of Main Street and North Road before striking the house, crashing into a bedroom where the homeowner’s mother-in-law had been sleeping.
Emergency crews responded to the scene. The driver suffered minor injuries, while a resident of the home was also evaluated. No serious injuries were reported.
Homeowner Jessie Hannington told WFSB the vehicle travelled into the home with enough force that its front tires were left hanging over the basement. She said her mother-in-law was in the bedroom at the time of the crash and was shaken by the incident.
The cause of the crash has not been released.
Previous Damage Still Awaiting Repairs
The latest collision comes before repairs from the first crash have been completed.
According to Hannington, the family is still waiting for insurance money relating to the previous incident, leaving damage from that crash unresolved when the second vehicle struck the property.
Inside the bedroom, the latest collision caused extensive damage. Hannington showed that a dresser had been thrown onto the bed by the force of the impact, while sections of the wall were torn apart as the vehicle entered the room.
The family said they have also been recovering from a fire behind the property in November that damaged their tobacco shed and garage. Hannington added that they are continuing to clean up from the fire while also dealing with insurance claims connected to both incidents.
Family Requests Barriers To Protect Property
Following the second crash, the family is asking for barriers to be installed between the roadway and their home.
Hannington said the house is located about 120 feet from the road but believes large boulders or guardrails could stop an out-of-control vehicle before it reaches the property.
She said she wants officials to consider installing some form of protection to reduce the risk of another vehicle striking the home.
The family hopes safety improvements can be made following the second collision.
Town to Contact State Transportation Officials
Town officials told WFSB that the road where the crashes occurred is maintained by the Connecticut Department of Transportation rather than the town.
Officials said they plan to contact the Department of Transportation to discuss the family’s concerns and determine what measures, if any, could be taken at the location.
The family said they are thankful no one was seriously injured in the latest crash and hope barriers or other protective measures can be installed to help prevent another vehicle from reaching their home.