Police identify victims in double fatal head-on crash on Route 2

Police have identified two men who were killed in a serious crash.

According to Dave Procopio of the Massachusetts State Police, at approximately 7:45 p.m. yesterday, Troopers assigned to State Police-Athol responded to reports of a head-on crash at mile marker 72.2 on Route 2 in Athol. Athol and Orange Fire/EMS and Police responded to the scene as well.

Upon arrival, Troopers observed two vehicles with heavy front-end damage and both operators suffering serious injuries. Preliminary investigation reveals a 2007 Nissan Versa, operated by Eric Shaw, 46, of Maynard, was being operated westbound on Route 2 when it crossed into the eastbound lane striking a 2010 Hyundai Elantra operated by Thomas Prescott, 67, of Leominster. Prescott succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Shaw was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries as well. Both vehicles were occupied solely by the operators.

The exact cause and circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by Troop C of the Massachusetts State Police with assistance from the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the State Police Detective Unit for Franklin County. MassDOT, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Athol and Orange Police and Fire also responded to the scene and rendered assistance. All lanes of Route 2 were closed for approximately three hours in order to facilitate crash scene reconstruction and investigation.