Massachusetts State Police: 10-year-old dead, 5 others seriously injured, after man allegedly steals vehicle at concert, crashes into 5 cars including family of 6

A child is dead, and several others seriously injured after multiple collisions on a Massachusetts highway.

According to Tim McGuirk of Massachusetts State Police, the preliminary information indicates that at approximately 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Michael Escolas, 42, of Oxford was traveling at a high rate of speed on Route 1 south in a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which he allegedly stole from a parking lot at Gillette Stadium. Escolas rear-ended a Nissan Altima stopped at a red light near the intersection of Route 1 and Interstate 495.

The Nissan was carrying a family of 6, including a mother, father, and their 4 children. Each family member sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash and required transportation to area hospitals. One of the children, age 10, was pronounced dead at the hospital. 

The crash also resulted in damage to 4 cars in addition to the Nissan (including the Jeep). State Police working the Kenny Chesney concert at Gillette Stadium responded to the scene.

Escolas was arrested at the scene for suspected driving under the influence. He was subsequently transported to an area hospital with injuries where he remains in custody.

For the safety of motorists and first responders, State Police closed Route 1 south at its intersection with I-495 and I-495 exits onto Route 1 north and south.

The roads reopened for travel shortly before midnight when the scene was cleared.

As part of the investigation, State Police personnel from the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Crime Scene Services Section, and Norfolk County Detective Unit responded to the scene.

The crash and circumstances of this incident remains under investigation by the Norfolk County Detective Unit.

Massachusetts State Police offered their condolences to the family for the loss of their child. Due to the child’s age and out of respect for the family during this difficult time, MSP will not be releasing their identity.