Conn. Man Has Heart Attack After Becoming Stuck In Truck Wheel Well

Oct. 24--SOUTH WINDSOR -- A Manchester man remained at Hartford Hospital Monday after a weekend accident during which he became pinned in the wheel well of a large truck.

Michael Botticello, 57, was listed in serious condition at the hospital Monday, said spokeswoman Michaela Donnelly.

Botticello called 911 about 3 p.m. Saturday and said he was stuck under his commercial truck on Commerce Way, police said. Police believe he was checking out a possible mechanical problem with the truck, known as a roll-off Dumpster truck, when he became wedged between the tire and wheel well, Sgt. Scott Custer said.

He had no crushing injuries, but was having trouble breathing and went into cardiac arrest, Custer said.

Local firefighters cut away a piece of the truck to free him, and worked with South Windsor ambulance to revive him, Custer said. Botticello was transported to the hospital via South Windsor Ambulance, with Ambulance Service of Manchester paramedics on board.

Custer said police want to learn more about how the accident happened. Anyone who was in the area of Commerce Way Saturday afternoon and saw the white truck is asked to call the South Windsor Police at 860-644-2551.

The South Windsor Police Traffic Unit and commercial truck inspectors from a regional traffic squad, Metro Traffic Services, are investigating.

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