Car, Home Burst Into Flames As Crash Turns Deadly In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — One person died and several residents were displaced after a car slammed into a multi-family home in Manchester and both burst into flames early Thursday morning.

The harrowing scene along the 200 block of Center Street unfolded at about 2:45 a.m. and, according to a preliminary police report, speed appeared to be a factor in the crash.

The compact sedan was heading east on Center Street, when it suddenly veered across the yellow lines, crashed first through a fence — then a copse of trees — and then slammed into 207/209 Center St., according to a police report.

Both the car and home then became engulfed in flames, the report continued.

The occupants of the home — and police did not have an exact number by mid-morning — managed to escape unharmed, according to a report. The person, however, was found dead near the car and police said they believe it was the driver.

Investigators were still at the scene during the morning commute and traffic was being diverted from Center Street between Newman Street and Rosemary place. Firefighters were using a ladder truck and drone unit to inspect the dwelling from above.

On the ground, a flatbed truck was being maneuvered onto the lawn in an effort to remove the vehicle.

The investigation was expected to be ongoing throughout the day, police said.