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July 10, 2009 - For immediate release:

State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 91 South in Springfield

On Friday, July 10, 2009, at approximately 2:10 a.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Springfield responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 91 South in Springfield, in the vicinity of Route 83 (exit 4), which resulted in one fatality and six serious injuries.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Todd Nolan indicates that 20-year-old Nathaniel Chisnall of Enfield, Connecticut was operating a 1995 Jeep Wrangler SUV on Union Street at the intersection of Main Street in Springfield, when he attempted to pass a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria Taxi operated by 51-year-old David Main of Chicopee.  While passing the Ford on the right, the driver’s side rear of the Jeep struck the front passenger side of the Ford.  The Jeep fled the scene of this initial crash and entered on to Route 91 South at exit 5, with the Ford following closely behind.  The Jeep continued South on Route 91 until it lost control while in the right lane, crossed all lanes and struck the center median guardrail.  Chisnall sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Baystate Medical Center.  The Jeep contained six passengers, all from Enfield, Connecticut.  Five passengers of the Jeep: 19-year-old Laszlo Lindinger; 20-year-old Steven Samson; 21-year-old Tyler Garrity; 21-year-old Katherine Carrigheria; and 23-year-old Jerry Lacasse, sustained serious injuries and were transported by ambulance to Baystate Medical Center.  A sixth passenger in the Jeep, 23-year-old David Ray of Enfield, Connecticut, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Main was uninjured in the crash.   

As a result of the preliminary investigation, a criminal summons will be sought against Nathaniel Chisnall for Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol and Negligent Operation. 

This crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section.  The Springfield Police Department, AMR Ambulance, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and MassHighway assisted Troopers at the scene. 

Due to the crash investigation and vehicle removal, Route 91 South was completely closed between exit 6 and exit 3 for approximately 3½ hours.  During this time, traffic was diverted off of Route 91 South on to West Columbus Avenue.  

No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.