Riverbank Collapse—

Sandy Hook Youths Recovering From Injuries After Riverbank Collapse

By Andrew Gorosko

The three youths who were injured on June 30 when a steep sandy riverbank on the Pootatuck River in Sandy Hook Center collapsed on them briefly, partially burying them, were recovering from their injuries this week.

Patrick Dalton, 19, of 5 Kale Davis Road was in good condition on July 7 in Danbury Hospital, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Joseph Knowicki, 18, of 53 Toddy Hill Road, who was admitted as a Danbury Hospital patient after the riverbank collapse, was later released from the hospital.

Kelly O’Neill, 18, of 28 Still Hill Road was treated at the hospital emergency room and then released.

One youth received back injuries. Another had facial injuries. A third youth experienced breathing problems.

 Two other people also were injured in connection with the incident.

 One Sandy Hook firefighter hurt his leg while working at the scene. Also, a mother of one of the eight youths involved in the incident, received an ankle injury while traversing the difficult terrain in the area.

Police Detective Sergeant Robert Tvardzik said this week the incident remains under police investigation.

“It’s an unfortunate incident. It could have been tragic,” he said.

The area where the riverbank collapse occurred is apparently state property, but is not posted against trespassing, Det Sgt Tvardzik said.

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company First Assistant Fire Chief Henry Velthuizen has said that firefighters received a call for help at 8:23 pm June 30, alerting them that there had been an earthen collapse. Besides police, Sandy Hook firefighters, the town’s Confined Space Rescue Team, the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and regional paramedics responded to the scene. About 35 people responded.

Police said that eight youths, four males and four females, ranging in age from 18 to 20, had gathered in a wooded area alongside the Pootatuck River, where a sandy embankment collapsed after the youths had started digging into it. Being inherently unstable, the fine sand shifted, causing three of the youths to become partially buried. The 50-foot-tall riverbank has an approximately 45-degree slope.

Two of the trapped youths were freed by their companions. One of the youths reportedly freed himself. The riverbank collapse occurred in a secluded area lying behind the Newtown United Methodist Church at 92 Church Hill Road. The site lies about 100 yards from the westbound lanes of Interstate 84.

Rescue crews stationed their emergency vehicles in a parking lot behind 102 Church Hill Road and walked about one-quarter mile through the woods on narrow trails in twilight to get to the collapsed riverbank. Walking on twisting, uneven terrain in darkness made the rescue operation more complex.