PRESTON, New London County, Conn., Sept. 23, 2026 — A driver was pulled from a vehicle after a two-car crash that rolled one vehicle and set another on fire Monday morning, September 21, on Route 2, according to the Preston Fire Department.
The Preston Fire Department was called to Route 2 around 10:04 a.m. for a report of a crash involving fire. Crews arriving on scene found one vehicle rolled onto its side with the driver trapped inside, while a second vehicle was burning, the department said.
Firefighters worked to free the trapped driver while a hose line was stretched to knock down the fire. The driver was extricated within 12 minutes, according to the department. The extent of their injuries has not been released.
Before crews arrived, an off-duty Preston Fire Department captain used a fire extinguisher to keep the flames in check, the department reported. The Norwich Fire Department sent help, and an additional ambulance responded from American Ambulance. No further details on the cause of the crash or the number of people involved have been made public.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
A Common Misconception About Rollover Crashes
Many drivers assume that a rollover only becomes dangerous if a vehicle is struck at high speed on the highway, or that bigger vehicles like SUVs and trucks are simply safer because they sit higher off the ground. The evidence tells a more complicated story. Vehicle height and shape affect how a rollover starts, but they don't determine how survivable it is once the vehicle is on its side or roof.
What often decides the outcome is whether occupants stay inside the vehicle and whether the roof holds up under the weight of the roll. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 25 percent of van-occupant fatalities occurred in vehicles that rolled over in 2023. That figure applies to vans specifically, a vehicle type not typically thought of as rollover-prone in the way SUVs are, which shows that no vehicle class is exempt.
The assumption that a low-speed or single-vehicle rollover is minor doesn't hold up either. Rollovers can happen at modest speeds when a tire catches a curb, soft shoulder, or guardrail, and the forces involved can still be severe regardless of how fast the vehicle was moving beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are rollover crashes so dangerous?
Rollovers can involve multiple impacts as a vehicle turns over one or more times, and the roof can cave in under repeated force, reducing the space around occupants inside.
Which vehicles are most prone to rolling over?
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, such as SUVs, pickups, and vans, are generally more likely to roll over than lower, wider passenger cars, though any vehicle can roll under the right conditions.
How does seat belt use affect survival in a rollover?
Seat belts keep occupants positioned inside the vehicle during a roll. Unbelted occupants are far more likely to be thrown against the roof or ejected, which raises the risk of serious injury or death.
What is a "tripped" rollover?
A tripped rollover happens when a tire hits an object, curb, or soft ground that causes the vehicle to trip and roll, rather than rolling from steering or speed alone. Most rollovers on the road are tripped rather than caused by sharp turns.
What to Do After a Rollover Crash in Preston, CT
If you're involved in a rollover crash, stay as still as possible until you can assess whether you're hurt, since the adrenaline of the moment can mask injuries. Call 911 right away and let dispatchers know if anyone is trapped or if there's any sign of fire, as crews will adjust their response accordingly.
Even if you feel fine, seek a medical evaluation afterward. Some injuries, especially to the head, neck, and back, don't show symptoms immediately. Get a copy of the official crash report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits or vehicle damage in the days that follow. If you're a witness, staying back from the vehicles and giving responders room to work helps them move faster in situations involving fire or entrapment.
