State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 290 East in Auburn

On the evening of December 9, 2008, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Holden responded to a single vehicle crash on Route 290 East, prior to exit 9 in Auburn that resulted in one fatality.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Jeremiah Donovan indicates that a 2002 Ford Focus operated by 29-year-old Jennifer A. Songer of Worcester was traveling east on Route 290 when it abruptly went off the roadway to the right and into a wooded area. The operator and a passenger, 29-year-old Travis Songer of Worcester were trapped inside the vehicle. Jennifer Songer was pronounced deceased at the scene. Travis Songer was transported by ambulance to UMass Medical Center with serious injuries.

This crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section (C.A.R.S.) and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. The Auburn Fire Department, Auburn EMS and personnel from Mass Highways assisted troopers at the scene.

The right travel lane of Route 290 East was closed for approximately 3 hours pending the crash investigation and vehicle removal.

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