Deadly crashes bring Springfield death toll to seven this year

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Two deadly crashes occurred on Boston Road in Springfield within a 48-hour period, claiming the lives of two individuals. The incidents, which happened late at night and approximately one mile apart, have raised concerns among residents who frequently travel the road. These recent fatalities contribute to a total of seven deadly crashes in Springfield this year, with police noting that such incidents predominantly occur at dusk or during nighttime hours. The spate of accidents on Boston Road has prompted residents to express worries about road safety, particularly regarding vehicle speeds. Springfield police reported that around 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, an SUV struck a man riding a power scooter in the 800 block of Boston Road near McDonald's. The man later died from his injuries at Baystate Medical Center. Just after midnight on Monday, July 27, officers were called to another deadly crash near Boston Road and Drake Street. In this incident, a pedestrian was struck and killed while not walking in a crosswalk. Later that same day, shortly after 6 p.m. on Monday, July 27, a third crash involving a car and a motorcycle occurred on Boston Road next to Slater Avenue. The man was taken to Baystate Medical Center. According to police, the driver of the car did not have a valid driver's license and will be summoned to court. India Anderson, a Springfield resident, expressed her long-standing concerns about the road. “People have come down there, and they speed really, really fast, and so people don't have the time to react there,” Anderson said. “I've lived here all my life, and there's always been several accidents.” Another Springfield resident, Clarence Reid, questioned how such tragedies could be prevented. “It's not good,” Reid said. “And, you know, if it could have been prevented, then we have to figure out how to do that?” Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh urged drivers to prioritize safety. “Make sure you put those phones down, slow down, and keep your eyes, you know, on the road so that you can make sure that no one gets hit and that you can get home safely and there will be no issues,” Walsh stated. Walsh also advised pedestrians to be extra cautious, especially at night when visibility is reduced. “Pedestrians be extra, extra cautious, especially even if you're at a light,” Walsh added. “Just make eye contact with the driver. Never assume someone sees you and just cross safely.” Police confirm that traffic units are regularly patrolling Boston Road and other high-speed corridors, including Parker Street and State Street. These patrols aim to enforce traffic laws and monitor for unsafe driving practices. All crashes currently remain under investigation. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WWLP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WWLP staff before being published.