Fatal accident in Springfield is being investigated by state police

The seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seen on a Massachusetts State Police patrol car parked in front of the Statehouse in Boston on March 3, 2023. (Photo: Massachusetts State Police)

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts (WWLP) – A fatal crash early Friday morning on I-291 in Springfield is currently under investigation by Massachusetts State Police.

According to police, just after 2:20 a.m., a State Police Springfield Barracks patrol officer attempted to stop a 2013 Infiniti G37 eastbound on I-291 prior to Exit 4. The vehicle was observed to be unable to maintain its lane and crossed lane markings.

At first, the driver appeared to comply with the request by turning right and stopping, but suddenly he accelerated and reached a speed of over 160 km/h.

As the vehicle continued to move, the driver attempted to exit I-291 at a high rate of speed via Exit 4. The trooper did not pursue the vehicle to the exit, but instead continued on I-291. The driver failed to make the turn, causing the vehicle to crash and roll over. The driver, a 41-year-old Springfield man, was unresponsive at the scene of the accident, although paramedics reached him. The chase from the first attempt to stop the vehicle to the scene of the accident lasted less than a mile.

No further information is available at this time. The incident is being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police. The investigation is ongoing.