State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 291 in Springfield

On Friday, September 5, 2008, at approximately 1:10 a.m., troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Springfield responded to a single vehicle crash on Route 291 West prior to St. James Avenue (exit 4) in Springfield that resulted in one fatality.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Daniel Kelly indicates that 27-year-old Tobias Jarvis of Belchertown was operating a 2002 Lincoln LS sedan on Route 291 West when he lost control of his vehicle, exited the road to the right, rolled over and struck several trees before coming to rest off the right side of the road. Jarvis, who was not wearing his safety belt, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash, suffered serious injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Although his 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 was a factor. American Medical Response Ambulance and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner assisted troopers on scene.

This crash did not result in any significant lane closures or traffic restrictions due to the fact that the vehicle came to rest so far off the right side of the road

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