TOWNSHEND, Vt. — A Brattleboro man has been treated for minor injuries after he fell asleep at the wheel, resulting in a crash and vehicle fire.
Vermont State Police troopers from the Westminster Barracks responded at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday, May 23 to a reported single vehicle crash with injuries on Vermont Route 30, north of Riverdale Road, in the town of Townshend.
While en route, troopers were advised that the vehicle, a 2007 Subaru Impreza, was upside down in a brook and was fully engulfed in flames. Townshend Fire Department and Rescue Inc. Ambulance Service were also dispatched to the scene.
An investigation into the crash determined that the operator, Jack Stent, 21, of Brattleboro fell asleep while driving north. Stent crossed the southbound lane and exited the roadway, his vehicle striking the end of a guardrail head-on and continuing to travel north off the road, police said. The vehicle then began traveling down a wooded embankment when it overturned onto its passenger side, landing on top of a large concrete culvert. After striking the culvert, the vehicle continued rolling and came to rest upside down in a brook, all according to police.
Stent was conscious, and found himself submerged in water while seatbelted, police said. Stent’s window had been open prior to the crash, and he was able to free himself and exit the vehicle through the window.
The crash was not witnessed, but Stent was able to climb the embankment and get to the edge of the roadway. A passer-by observed Stent bleeding on the edge of the road and called 911. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle “burst into flames and quickly became fully involved,” all according to the VSP.
Stent reported wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and there was airbag deployment inside the vehicle. Road conditions were dry at the time. He was transported to Grace Cottage Hospital, where he was treated and released for minor lacerations and contusions, all according to VSP.
Police described the vehicle as “burnt beyond recognition,” and have determined it to be a total loss.
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