Minivan carrying more than a dozen puppies crashes in Connecticut. Most are OK

WOODSTOCK, Conn.– A minivan carrying 14 puppies struck a utility pole and rolled over in Connecticut on Thursday morning, injuring several dogs, authorities said.

Dogs of different breeds were in crates in the back of the minivan when it crashed about 6 a.m. in Woodstock, a rural town bordering Massachusetts, fire officials said. Electrical wires fell on the van but caused no injuries.

The driver was not seriously injured, but several puppies were examined by a veterinarian. Fire officials said one puppy had to be euthanized, and several were taken to a veterinary center in Massachusetts. Most of the puppies were taken to a local animal shelter.

The cause of the accident was investigated.

Fire Chief Eric Young said the minivan driver was transporting the puppies from an animal shelter in West Virginia to new homes in the region.

“The driver was clearly shaken by the accident,” Young said. “He beat himself over it.”

Young said after the driver told firefighters there were puppies in the back, some of the first responders were leery of checking them because they didn’t want any dogs to get hurt. He said some of the crates were broken, but most of the puppies seemed fine.

Officials said the puppies will be moved to their new homes after an examination.