For Immediate Release

Monday, Oct. 7, 2019

Media Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: kelsey@jgpr.net

Winthrop Fire Department Responds to Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

WINTHROP — Chief Paul E. Flanagan reports that the Winthrop Fire Department responded to a serious motor vehicle crash on Sunday afternoon that resulted in multiple fatalities.

Two passengers died and a third person, the driver of a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse, sustained traumatic injuries when the convertible, with its top lowered, crashed into an unoccupied pickup truck shortly after 3 p.m. at the intersection of Winthrop Shore Drive at Neptune Avenue.

Nearby Winthrop Police Officers on patrol were the first to respond to the scene.

Upon arrival, firefighters under the command of Captain Paramedic Michael Lopez and Fire Lieutenant John Rich found gasoline leaking from the vehicle and one person pinned beneath the vehicle.

Firefighters secured the scene and began a complicated extrication effort, with assistance from police on scene. Police Chief Terence Delehanty also responded to the scene. Firefighters were informed that three total people were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. One passenger, an adult female, was declared deceased at the scene. A second passenger was extricated, but later died at an area hospital. The driver was transported to a Boston hospital. 

With 41 years as a member of the fire service, Chief Flanagan reports that this was one of the most serious motor vehicle crashes in a generation in terms of its complexity and seriousness of the injuries sustained by the victims. 

“This was a terrible crash with a terrible human toll,” Chief Flanagan said. 

Firefighters and police officers who responded to the scene received Critical Incident Stress Debriefing at the station on Sunday. 

Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools and airbags in the extrication effort. Winthrop Engine 1 and Ladder 1 were dispatched at 3:01 p.m. and upon arrival immediately requested a second engine. Chief Flanagan was on scene within approximately 10 minutes and took command, with Captain Lopez overseeing operations at the scene. The Winthrop Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and Action Ambulance all responded to the scene, and the Revere Fire Department provided station coverage for Winthrop during the four hours that the Winthrop fire units remained on scene.

Firefighters were dispatched at 3:01 p.m. and cleared the scene at 6:56.

The crash is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police.

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