Attleboro Fire Department responds to fiery multi-vehicle highway crash with serious injuries

ATTLEBORO — Chief Scott Lachance reports that the Attleboro Fire Department responded early Sunday morning to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 that left one driver with life-threatening injuries and shut down the highway for several hours.

At approximately 1:15 a.m., Attleboro firefighters were dispatched to Interstate 95 north for a reported crash.

Upon arrival, crews encountered a debris field stretching nearly a quarter mile involving two vehicles.

One vehicle contained a male driver who was trapped inside. Firefighters used extrication tools to gain access to the vehicle and remove the victim. He was transported by advanced life support ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition.

The second vehicle came to rest about 400 yards away after rolling over and striking a bridge support. The car was fully engulfed in flames beneath the overpass. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire.

The driver, a female, had self-extricated from the vehicle prior to firefighters’ arrival. She was transported to Sturdy Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

The highway was closed until approximately 5 a.m. while the Massachusetts State Police conducted their investigation. MassDOT was called to inspect the bridge for possible damage from the fire and vehicle strike. After an evaluation, the bridge was cleared for continued use.

Several bystanders attempted to render aid before firefighters’ arrival. While well-intentioned, the large number of people on scene created challenges for first responders in quickly identifying who needed medical attention.

“With so many people present, the first few moments required careful coordination to determine who was injured and who was assisting,” said District Chief Mark Renker.

The crash remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police.

During the overnight hours, Attleboro Fire also responded to nine additional emergency calls.