Causes
Fundraisers created after three Massachusetts men die while on the job
A man has been arrested, and fundraisers have been created after three workers were killed while on the job.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, on Friday, 29-year-old Bilal Griffith of West Springfield, was arraigned in Springfield District Court and is facing charges in connection with a crash on I-91 North in West Springfield which resulted in the death of three construction workers.
At approximately 12:50 a.m., a vehicle was heading northbound on I-91 and attempted to use the Exit 10A ramp that leads to Riverdale Street. At that time, a crew was repairing the guardrail near the entrance of the ramp. The operator failed to maintain the confines of the ramp, crashing into the guardrail where the crew was working. Three crew members were struck, and all succumbed to their injuries.
The victims have been identified as Igor Costa, 26, of Marlborough, Massachusetts, Ryan Almeida, 48, of Brockton, Massachusetts, and Raul Bohorquez, 57, of Brockton, Massachusetts.
The operator of the vehicle fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction. A registry of motor vehicles inquiry was made, and the registered owner of the vehicle was determined to be Bilal Griffith.
In the ensuing hours, Massachusetts State Police troopers and West Springfield Police canvassed the area. With the assistance of the State Police Air Wing, canines and dozens of law enforcement officers, the suspect was observed by a sergeant of the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s office. After a brief conversation, a chase ensued that continued for over a half mile. The suspect was finally surrounded and taken into custody in the area of Morgan Road in West Springfield.
Bilal Griffith, the defendant, was arraigned Friday afternoon in Springfield District Court on (3) counts of manslaughter and (1) count of leaving the scene of personal injury and death. He is being held on $1 million cash bail. His next appearance in court will be April 2 for a bail hearing.
Family members are also looking to bring Igor Costa back to his native Brazil.
The Almeida Family has also created a GoFundMe fundraiser.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s office in conjunction with the West Springfield Police Department.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni expresses his sympathies to the victims’ families.
