READING, MASS. — One person is dead and multiple others are injured following a violent four-vehicle crash at a busy intersection in Reading late Friday night, authorities confirmed.
The collision occurred just after 10:06 p.m. at the intersection of Main and Hopkins Streets, prompting a swift response from emergency crews after dispatchers received approximately a dozen 911 calls.
According to preliminary findings from the Reading Police Department, a 2006 gray Volvo XC70 was traveling southbound on Main Street at a high rate of speed when it allegedly ran a red light at the intersection. The Volvo struck a 2014 green Ford Fusion that was crossing the intersection eastbound on Hopkins Street, slamming into the driver’s side door.
The impact caused the Ford Fusion to spin into the northbound lanes of Main Street, where it was struck by a 2014 gray Audi Q7. The Volvo, continuing forward after the initial crash, then collided with a 2018 gray Toyota RAV4.
Tragically, the driver of the Ford Fusion was pronounced dead at the scene. Their identity has not yet been released, pending notification of family.
The driver of the Volvo was transported to a nearby hospital with undisclosed injuries. A passenger in the RAV4 also sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities have not indicated whether speed, impairment, or other factors may have contributed to the crash. The incident remains under active investigation by the Reading Police Department, who are asking any witnesses or individuals with relevant information or dashcam footage to contact them at 781-944-1212.
The intersection, a heavily trafficked area, was shut down for several hours overnight as investigators worked to reconstruct the scene. Local officials have not commented on whether additional safety measures may be considered following the crash.
This developing story continues to shake the community as friends and family mourn the loss of a life cut tragically short. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.