Russell T. Kleber, Chief of Police
280 Exchange St.
Athol, MA 01331
For Immediate Release
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jordan@jgpr.net
Athol Police Respond to Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash
ATHOL — Chief Russell T. Kleber reports that the Athol Police Department responded to a fatal single-car crash earlier this evening.
At approximately 8:43 p.m., Athol Police were dispatched to the area of South Athol Road and Riverview Avenue. Upon arrival, officers observed a heavily damaged Nissan Altima that was lying on its roof after it apparently struck a tree. The Athol and Orange Fire Departments also responded to the scene.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the vehicle was traveling east on South Athol Road with three occupants inside at the time of the crash.
One person was ejected from the vehicle, while another two were trapped inside. First responders used a hydraulic extraction tool to free those individuals. One victim was transported to a Worcester area hospital, while another was transported to Athol Hospital.
The third victim succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. This case has been referred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause and manner of death.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Athol Police and Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit.
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