Fairfield woman dies after crashing into tree

The scene of a fatal automobile accident on Burroughs Rd., in Fairfield, Conn. March 7th 2012, where a car, seen here on a flatbed, collided with a tree. The scene of a fatal automobile accident on Burroughs Rd., in Fairfield, Conn. March 7th 2012, where a car, seen here on a flatbed, collided with a tree. Photo: Ned Gerard Photo: Ned Gerard Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Fairfield woman dies after crashing into tree 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

A Fairfield woman was killed Wednesday evening when her car careened off Burroughs Road and smashed into a tree.

Arline Fazio, 72, died from injuries she suffered in the crash, reported shortly after 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Fazio was driving a 2000 Infiniti east on Burroughs Road, police said, when she crossed the road's center line and struck a tree. She was extricated from the wreck and transported to St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, where she was declared dead.

Witnesses told police Fazio had stopped her car at the stop sign at Burrough and Farist roads, and then accelerated, heading at a high rate of speed directly toward the tree.

An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday, and police have secured warrants to search the interior of the wrecked car for any evidence that might have contributed to the accident and to conduct a full mechanical inspection of the vehicle, said police Sgt. Suzanne Lussier.

"That inspection is typically done with our certified mechanic and the accident investigation team," Lussier said. "They'll look at all of the components of the car."

She said the autopsy results should be completed quickly, but any toxicology reports will take six to eight weeks. Lussier said the investigation will include a review of Fazio's medical records to see if any condition may have played a role in the accident.