Services announced for Bristol County father of 4 whose dream of owning a tow truck turned tragic

Services have been announced for a local man killed in a fiery highway crash in Freetown.

According to Tim McGuirk of Massachusetts State Police, at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Friday, State Police responded to a serious crash on Route 140 south in Freetown. 

Preliminary information indicates that a tow truck in the left travel lane was struck by a vehicle traveling in the right travel lane. The contact propelled the tow truck from an overpass onto Washburn Road immediately below. 

The tow truck operator, 52-year-old Manuel M. De Andrade, suffered fatal injuries and the other driver who was uninjured remained on scene. 

Massachusetts State Police did not have an update as of Monday on whether charges will be issued in the incident.

According to an obituary, “at an early age De Andrade excelled and was a wonderful son, brother and friend to all who came in contact with him. He was most proud of his 4 loving children, Rita, Josue, Joceila and Leah. He will be greatly missed by his loving children, parents and siblings.”

Those who knew him described him as a man of faith and a devoted dad who recently realized his dream of owning his own tow truck.

De Andrade’s Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 30th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
at Aubertine-Lopes Funeral Home, 129 Allen St, New Bedford. The Funeral Service will take place on Monday, December 1st, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Seventh Day Adventist Church, 413 Rockdale Ave, New Bedford. Interment will be held following the Funeral Service at 10:45 AM at Pine Grove Cemetery, 1100 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford.