Fallen Tree, Live Wires Close Route 33 Indefinitely [Update]

Update 7:15 p.m.

Route 33 remains closed between Belden Hill and Drum Hill Road. Wilton Police say there is no estimated time of completion for the repairs.

At present there are 159 people without power in town according to CL&P.

Original Story

A large pine tree fell across Route 33 just north of Hillside Cemetery in Wilton around 3 p.m. this afternoon, taking live powerlines with it, closing one of the town's main roads between Belden Hill and Drum Hill Roads indefinitely.

As of 4 p.m., CL&P workers on scene said they had not yet begun repairs and were waiting for crews to arrive with necessary parts and tools from their headquarters. The damage to the power network was extensive, affecting at least ten sections of powerlines along Ridgefield Road.

Workers said they expected the repairs to extend through the evening and could not provide an estimated time for fix.

Lieutenant Greg Kitik of the Marhoffer Fire Station in North Wilton said when the power lines were first brought down, there were a few significant sets of flames. As of 4 p.m. power had been cut off to the area, but a section of road about the size of a manhole cover was melted and still burning.

Kitik said the road would probably remain closed through the duration of the evening commute. He added that if the repairs went quickly, it is possible one lane of Ridgefield Road could be opened in a few hours.

More details will be provided as they become available.