Simsbury, CT — Local authorities are actively investigating a motor vehicle accident that left a 44-year-old man injured after he spent the night trapped in his crashed vehicle deep in a wooded area in Simsbury.

The incident, which came to light on Tuesday morning, highlights both the dangers of off-road driving and the critical role of modern technology in locating missing individuals. According to the Simsbury Police Department (SPD), officers received a call at 8:02 a.m. regarding a man who had not returned home.

The department immediately initiated an investigation, utilizing license plate reading cameras and emergency global positioning system (GPS) technology to track the vehicle’s movements. Authorities said they were able to determine the last known location of the vehicle, which was near 3 Overlook Terrace.

“Police immediately searched the area and determined that the man had been involved in a motor vehicle crash,” the SPD stated. Officers discovered the car hidden from view of the main road, off the roadway in a densely wooded area near the intersection of Bushy Hill Road and Overlook Terrace.

First responders worked swiftly to provide medical assistance. The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department used extrication tools to safely remove the injured individual from the wreckage, an effort described by police as “life-saving.”

Emergency personnel then transported the man, identified as Colin Stephenson, to Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford for further treatment. While the full extent of his injuries has not been released, authorities confirmed that he received immediate care upon discovery.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. Police have not yet released details about how the accident occurred, whether other vehicles were involved, or if any environmental factors may have contributed.

The SPD is urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. Residents with potential leads are asked to contact Officer Connor Arnold at 860-658-3100.

This case also underscores the importance of modern technology in emergency response. According to police, the combination of license plate reading cameras and GPS data played a critical role in locating Stephenson, who was trapped overnight in his vehicle.

Authorities say the tools enabled them to pinpoint the precise location, allowing first responders to act quickly and potentially save a life. Neighbors in the area described the wooded section near Overlook Terrace as remote and difficult to access, making the discovery of the vehicle a challenging task for emergency crews.

While the investigation is ongoing, the department thanked first responders and volunteers for their swift action in managing a complex and potentially dangerous recovery situation.

Police emphasize that anyone with information about the crash, or who may have observed unusual activity near Bushy Hill Road and Overlook Terrace, should contact the SPD immediately. The department continues to work to piece together the events leading to this alarming incident and ensure community safety.