Fatal Abington Chase
Abington Police Chase Ends Fatally: 17-Year-Old Driver Killed, Four Teens Injured
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Key Points
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The crash occurred at about 7:47 a.m. on Washington Street in Abington, when the Hyundai Santa Fe struck a tree at 877 Washington Street.
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APD Chief John Bonney said investigators have not yet determined whether the 17-year-old driver stole the car; he described the vehicle as 'driving a stolen motor vehicle' but noted uncertainty about theft.
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The five teenagers involved were ages 14 to 17.
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Witness Mindy Redman said, "I heard excessive speed coming down the street, and then I heard a huge crash into the tree."
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Neighbor Melissa Clark described hearing a loud explosion and seeing a woman ejected from the vehicle on the neighbors' lawn.
A 17-year-old boy was killed and four other teenagers were seriously hurt after a stolen car crashed into a tree in Abington, Massachusetts, on July 29, following a police chase. The driver of a Hyundai Santa Fe became trapped in the wreck and died at the scene; one girl was ejected from the vehicle, and three other passengers suffered life-threatening injuries, according to People.
The five teenagers involved ranged in age from 14 to 17. The crash happened at about 7:47 a.m. on Washington Street, when the car struck a tree at 877 Washington Street, NBC Boston reported. The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office is now investigating the incident.
Chase Began After Driver Ran Red Light
Police say the pursuit started after the driver failed to stop on Walnut Street. Surveillance footage captured the Hyundai Santa Fe speeding and running a red light before the crash. Witness Mindy Redman described the moments before impact: "I heard excessive speed coming down the street, and then I heard a huge crash into the tree," according to People.
Neighbor Melissa Clark said she heard what sounded like a loud explosion. She then saw a passenger ejected from the car onto a nearby lawn. The crash left the vehicle badly damaged and the driver trapped inside, where he died before help could reach him, NBC Boston reported.
Stolen Car Claim Leaves Key Questions Unanswered
Abington Police Chief John Bonney described the situation as the driver "driving a stolen motor vehicle." But he also said investigators have not yet confirmed whether the 17-year-old actually stole the car himself. The distinction matters for how charges or findings could be handled, People reported.
Authorities have not publicly named any of the five teenagers involved. The identities of the driver and passengers are being withheld, likely because they are minors. Investigators are still piecing together how the group came to be in the vehicle that morning, according to NBC Boston.
Four Teens Rushed to Boston-Area Hospitals
Three of the four surviving passengers suffered life-threatening injuries. All four were taken to hospitals in the Boston area for treatment. The ejected passenger — a girl — was found on a neighbor's lawn after the crash. Her condition, along with the others, was described as critical, according to People.
One officer who was part of the chase has been placed on leave for well-being reasons as the investigation continues. This is standard practice after traumatic incidents involving law enforcement. The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office is leading the investigation alongside Abington police, NBC Boston reported.
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