All Clear after Kings Highway Elementary School Evacuation
At around 1:45 this afternoon, the Westport Fire Department, Westport Police Department, and Southern Connecticut Gas Company were dispatched to Kings Highway Elementary School for the possible gas leak, with an odor of gas in the school. All students and staff were evacuated to the surrounding sports fields while firefighters inspected the building.
The all-clear was given about 15 minutes later, allowing the building to be re-occupied to continue with the afternoon school day. No illnesses were reported, no word on what caused the reported odor.
A Westport Fire Department Engine remains on Burr Road as firefighters inspect the building for any apparent issues.
Firefighters inspect Kings Highway Elementary School afters it evacuation due to the odor of gas in the school.
Ice on Roadways Reported throughout Town
Many local roads turned to ice overnight when temperatures dropped below freezing. The residual moisture from yesterday’s rain, sleet, and snow were to blame for the hazardous road conditions. Both the State Department of Transportation and Westport Department of Public Works deployed salters and sanders to local roadways and highways in anticipation of the morning commute. The forecasted sunshine with temperatures expected to reach into the upper 30s will make today seasonably enjoyable ahead of tomorrow’s winter weather.
One Arrested for DUI after Main Street Crash
The Westport Local Press reported on a Saturday evening car accident involving multiple vehicles on Main Street. The Westport Police Department announced today the arrest of the driver responsible, 25 year old Max Popovich of Redding, for Operating under the Influence of Drugs/Alcohol. Click here to view original report.
“On Saturday December 12, 2020 at approximately 5:46pm, officers responded to the
area of 170 Main Street on a report of a motor vehicle accident. No injuries were reported.
Upon arrival, it was determined that a parked and unoccupied vehicle had been struck by
another vehicle that had been traveling southbound on Main Street, pushing it into and
damaging a third parked and unoccupied vehicle. The operator was identified as Max Popovich.
In speaking with Popovich, officers noted that he exhibited multiple physical clues consistent
with being under the influence of alcohol. Standardized field sobriety tests were administered
on scene and reportedly not performed to standard. Popovich was ultimately taken into
custody based on the suspicion of driving under the influence.
At police headquarters, Popovich submitted to chemical breath testing and was
determined to have a blood alcohol content above the legal limit. He was charged with 14-
227a, Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs. Bond was set at $500.00. He was able
to post this bond and was released. He is scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk Superior Court
on the morning of Friday January 29, 2021.” (Westport Police Department)
Minor Accident Involves School Bus on Compo Road South.
Police officers inspect damage to a Dattco school bus that was involved in a minor accident around noon today. The damage appeared to be a scrape along the side of the bus, which seems to have happened when the bus and a white SUV, also remaining on the scene, collided in the area of Compo Road South and Park Lane. No injuries were reported, and no word on whether or not the bus was actively transporting school children. Both vehicles were able to be driven away from the scene without towing assistance.
A Dattco school bus was involved in a more serious accident less than one year ago on February 7th, while carrying more than 20 Kings Highway Elementary School students. A WestportNow article describes the accident that required the extrication of the driver by local firefighters.
This white SUV also remained on the scene while Westport police officers investigated the collision.
National Weather Service Issues Hazardous Weather Outlook for Incoming Snow
The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook on Sunday night, which explained that “there is increasing potential for a significant winter storm Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning, with heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding.” (NWS)
Residents are reminded to check that generators are in working order, confirm that all medications are recently refilled, and to assure that cars are properly prepared for the winter weather. Neighbors are encouraged to check on elderly or ill neighbors by phone or other virtual mediums throughout any storm.
There is no word on whether schools would attend lessons online, or if they would still utilize snow days, in the event of inclement weather.
Breaking: Multi-Vehicle Car Accident ties up Main Street
A car accident involving multiple vehicles and airbag deployment took place just before 6:00 PM this evening on Main Street, in the area of Avery Place. The driver of a vehicle apparently lost control of their vehicle, striking several parked cars in front of Talbot’s store. Multiple tow trucks were requested to the scene. No injuries were reported. Photo by Dave Matlow for The Westport Local Press
Portion of Newtown Turnpike Closed due to Flooding
Heavy flooding from a nearby natural water source forced the closure of Newtown Turnpike, between Wilton Road and Crawford Road, at 5:00 PM this evening. Police remind drivers to follow the direction of barricades and avoid the area. No word on when the road will reopen, the Westport Public Works Department was on-scene to assess.
Westport Firefighters Battle I-95 Car Fire Overnight
The Westport Fire Department was dispatched just after 11:00 PM Friday night to the report of the car fire on I-95 Northbound between exits 17 and 18. Upon arrival, firefighters found a passenger vehicle with a fully involved engine compartment fire located just prior to the Hillspoint Road overpass on the right-hand shoulder. The fire was extinguished quickly, no injuries were reported. Photo taken looking Southbound from the Hillspoint Road overpass.
Two Escape Serious Injuries after Motor Vehicle Rollover Friday
Just after 4:00 PM Friday, Westport first responders were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle roll-over in the area of 130 Hillandale Road. The driver and passenger were both able to exit the vehicle prior to first responders’ arrival, and were reported to be without serious injuries. One party was transported by Westport EMS to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Merritt Parkway, I-95 Keep Responders Busy Today
Two unrelated emergency incidents kept local first responders busy this afternoon just after 1:30, as simultaneous calls-to-service came from both a car accident on I-95 Southbound, and a medical emergency on the Merritt Parkway Northbound. No word on any injuries or outcomes are available.