Double Rollover Crash Closes King Street [UPDATE]

Updated: 5:30 a.m.:

One of the two drivers involved in a double-rollover crash on Feb. 9 that closed a portion of King Street for hours, has been cited for apparently causing the crash and ticketed for passing in a no passing zone.

According to Greenwich Police Sgt. John Slusarz, James Duff, 39, of Bronxville, NY, was issued the ticket. Slusarz said Duff was driving at 2009 Pontiac. He was described as trying to pass a 2003 Chevrolet that was slowing down on King Street near Hettiefred Lane.

Duff swerved back into his lane of traffic because of oncoming traffic in the lane, Slusarz said. In doing so, Duff struck the rear of the Chevrolet, causing both cars to rollover and strike several bushes and trees. Duff's car also knocked down two utility poles. Duff was brought to an unidentified hospital for treatment of an ankle injury.

The other driver, identified as John Duff, 51, of Bedford Road, Greenwich, was treated at the scene for unspecified injuries.

Slusarz said there wasn't any indication of skid marks. Despite the damage caused, Slusarz said, "Thank God nobody was killed or seriously injured." He also said the motorist in the oncoming car stopped to help the two victims.

Original story:

Two people were injured in a major two-car crash that closed King Street early Thursday.

Work to repair 2 utility poles that were toppled in the crash continues and motorists may experiences delays on King Street, near Hettiefred Lane, according to Greenwich Police. Police are seeking witnesses to the crash which remains under investigation.

Here is the Greenwich Police statement released shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday:

"Just after 2 am on Thursday, February 8, 2012 the Greenwich Police Department investigated a two-car motor vehicle collision which closed King Street in both directions until 8 am, when the northbound lane was open. The southbound lane will remain closed until at least 10 am as repairs to two utility poles continues.

"The collision occurred when one car attempted to pass a second car which had begun to slow down. The passing car swerved back into the lane colliding with the first car resulting in both vehicles leaving the road and rolling over. The car being passed struck two utility poles set next to each other severing them at the base.

"The driver of the car being passed was entrapped. The Greenwich Fire Department extricated him from the vehicle and he was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released for non-life threatening injuries. The operator of the car who was engaged in the passing maneuver suffered minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.

"At this time this incident is under investigation by senior collision investigators. Anybody with any information is asked to contact the traffic section at (203)622-8014."