Connecticut Man, 21, Dead After Large Tree Branch Struck by Lightning Falls Onto His Car

Photo: Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP

Police in Connecticut had to dig through branches and power lines to free a 21-year-old from his car after lightning sent a large tree branch onto the vehicle, killing the man, reports say.

An electrical crew had to shut down the power lines before firefighters could free him, the AP reported. Marotto, of Southington, was taken to St. Vincent’s Medical Center where he died,according to the Connecticut Post.

Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP

The incident came in the wake of tropical storm Barry, which sent heavy winds and rain to the area, according to the Post. Trees were knocked down and there were several lightning strikes and accidents as a result of the storm.

Bouts of rain and thunderstorms are expected in Bridgeport throughout the weekend along with high temperatures,according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters issued a severe thunderstorm watch Wednesday night in the Northeast region, warning of wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour along with potential flash flooding,ABC News reported.

Marotto’s death comes just three weeks after David Schmerzler was killed on June 30 when a tree branch fell onto his car as he drove on Sturges Highway,Fox affiliate WTIC reported.

source: people.com