One Passenger's Condition Improves Slightly, New Information About Rescue in Ellington Accident

More than 24 hours after a motor vehicle accident took the life of an Ellington man, the medical condition of one of his two passengers is improving, and new details are emerging about the people who rescued the three from the burning pickup truck.

James F. McDermott, 22, of Coventry, remains at Hartford Hospital where his condition has been elevated from critical to serious, according to a hospital spokeswoman. Kassandra King, 17, of East Windsor, the second passenger in the 1989 Ford Ranger truck driven by Robert J. Dunn, 20, of Ellington, remains in critical condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman. For information on how the hospital defines serious and critical condition visit the Hartford Hospital Web site.

Dunn was killed in the accident that occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on Sunday on Somers Road (Route 83) near the intersection with Meadow Brook Road, according to police and fire personnel.

According to police records, Dunn was traveling south on Somers Road when the truck he was driving crossed into the northbound lane and then back onto the southbound side before striking a tree. The truck was engulfed in flames when a state trooper arrived on the scene about 30 seconds later, according to state police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance.

This morning, Vance said that when Trooper Joseph Strogoff, who was patrolling the area from the Troop C State Police barracks in Tolland, arrived at the scene the trooper saw two men pulling Dunn from the vehicle. Police have not identified the men who rescued Dunn. Vance said that Strogoff removed King and McDermott from the truck.

Vance credited Strogoff and the two men for putting themselves in danger and thinking to remove Dunn, King and McDermott from the vehicle, which was engulfed in flames.

Ellington Ambulance personnel and a medic from Rockville Hospital treated King and McDermott at the scene before Life Star helicopters flew the two to Hartford Hospital for further medical treatment, according to police and fire personnel. Dunn was pronounced dead at the scene, fire and police personnel said Sunday.

At Ellington High School, from which Dunn graduated in 2009, grief counseling was made available Monday for any students, or staff, that need to talk about the accident.

A makeshift memorial has been erected at the accident site where dozens of people have left their thoughts, prayers and condolences for the families.

Vance said police are continuing to investigate the accident and will interview any and all witnesses, including the two unidentified men who pulled Dunn from the vehicle. The lieutenant asked that anyone with additional information call the Troop C State Police barracks in Tolland at 860-896-3222.

Freelancer Caitlin Francis contributed to this story.