State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 91 South in West Springfield

On Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at approximately 6:37 p.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Springfield responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 91 South prior to Riverdale Street in West Springfield that resulted in two fatalities.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper John Driscoll indicates that 19 year-old Eduardo Gonzalez of Springfield was operating a 2001 Mazda sedan on Route 91 North in West Springfield when he lost control of the vehicle and entered the median. The Mazda traveled through the median and entered into the Southbound lanes, where it collided head-on with a 1998 Buick sedan operated by 43 year-old Kimberly Place of Westfield. Gonzalez suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported by ambulance to Bay State Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. Place suffered serious injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Although 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, it appears that speed may have been a factor. The West Springfield Fire Department and Masshighways assisted Troopers on scene.

During the investigation and vehicle removal Route 91 South was completely closed between the Mass Pike and Riverdale Street for approximately 3 ½ hours. Traffic was diverted off of Route 91 South onto the Mass Pike at Exit 14.

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

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