By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
The Greenwich Police Department and the Connecticut State Police are continuing their on-scene investigation of the fatal motor vehicle collision and fire at the Thruway Shopping Center in Riverside that occurred late Thursday afternoon.
Emergency units were dispatched to the shopping center located at 1253 E. Putnam Ave. on Thursday just before 4 p.m. on a report that a car had crashed into the Verizon store.
When GPD officers arrived, the vehicle was inside the store and it was completely engulfed in smoke. Dangerous conditions prevented first responders from approaching the interior, but employees inside the store were able to escape unharmed.
The fire was eventually put out, and the scene was handed over to the police.
The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead. The cause of the collision, fire and cause of death of the driver are unknown at the moment as the investigation continues.
“What we do know is the vehicle, a 2016 Audi, drove over the parking strip, mounted the curb, crashed through the Verizon store front doors and traveled completely into the store,” said GPD Capt. Mark Zuccerella in an update on Friday morning. “After entering the store, a fire ignited.”
The identity of the driver will be released once the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner obtains a positive identification.
