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August 12, 2009 - For immediate release:

State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 495 in Wrentham

On August 11, 2009, at approximately 01:28 a.m. Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Foxboro responded to a one-vehicle rollover on Route 495 northbound, south of exit 16 in Wrentham, which resulted in one fatality.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Michael P. Tryon indicates that 22 year old Joseph M. Mele from Mendon was driving a 2007 Toyota Scion north on Route 495. The Scion struck the median guardrail to the left and rolled over into the median.  Mele was able to exit however 22 -year-old Adam Palmer of Mendon was not and the Scion became engulfed in flames.  Palmer suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Mele was transported to Rhode Island Hospital by Franklin EMS with serious injuries.  

This crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, State Police Crime Scene Services Section, State Police H-Troop Investigators, Norfolk District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.  Police and Fire Departments from Franklin and Wrentham and Mass Highways assisted Troopers at the scene.

All northbound lanes were closed at exit 15 while the fire was being extinguished.  The first travel lane was opened at 02:10 a.m.  The left two lanes remained closed until 04:48 a.m.  No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.