Drunk Truck Driver Crashes Into Pole in West Hartford

25-year-old driver charged with OUI after box truck collision that closed Albany Avenue

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A 25-year-old box truck driver was charged with operating under the influence after crashing into a utility pole in West Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday morning. The single-vehicle collision occurred around 9 AM on Albany Avenue, shutting down the eastbound lanes for several hours as authorities responded and cleared the scene.

Why it matters

Drunk driving incidents continue to be a major public safety concern, with the potential to cause significant property damage and endanger other motorists and pedestrians. This case highlights the need for continued enforcement and education around the dangers of impaired driving.

The details

According to police, the 2020 Hino box truck driven by Koby Champagne-Lambert struck the guardrail, went off the road, and hit a utility pole before coming to rest on a snow-covered ridge. Champagne-Lambert suffered minor injuries, and officers determined he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, with a blood alcohol content of 0.12. He was charged with operating under the influence and failure to drive in the proper lane.

  • The crash occurred around 9:03 AM on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Champagne-Lambert is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on February 26, 2026.

The players

Koby Champagne-Lambert

A 25-year-old driver who was charged with operating under the influence after crashing a box truck into a utility pole in West Hartford.

West Hartford Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the crash, investigated the incident, and charged the driver.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Champagne-Lambert's bail status at his court appearance on February 26.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of drunk driving and the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel, especially when operating commercial vehicles. The crash highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to prevent such incidents and protect public safety.