State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 57 West in Agawam

Yesterday, February 24, 2007, at approximately 11:45 p.m. troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Springfield responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 57 West prior to Main Street in Agawam that resulted in one serious injury and one fatality.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Mark A. Weiner indicates 44-year-old Stephan J. Werner of Feeding Hills, MA was operating a 1997 Chevy Blazer on Route 57 West. As the vehicle approached Main Street Werner lost control of the vehicle. The Chevy struck the guardrail on the left shoulder of the roadway. It then rolled over and came to rest on its roof in the center travel lane facing in a southerly direction. At some point later, 21-year-old Anthony F. Manzi of Agawam, MA. was operating a 2001 Honda Accord in the center travel lane of Route 57 West. Manzi did not stop his vehicle and the front of the Honda collided into the passenger's side of the Chevy. Manzi was not wearing his safetybelt and was partially ejected from his vehicle. Manzi sustained serious injuries and was transported to Bay State Hospital by the Agawam Fire Department. Werner was wearing his seatbelt and sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was declared deceased at the scene.

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 Agawam Fire Department and Mass Highway assisted troopers at the scene.

During the vehicle recovery and investigation Route 57 West was closed for approximately 2 ½ hours. Traffic was diverted off the roadway at the South End Rotary.

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

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