State Police Investigate Double Fatal Crash on Route 395 in Webster
At approximately 6:40 a.m. on August 1, 2009, Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Sturbridge responded to the two-vehicle crash on Route 395 North in Webster, prior to Exit 1 (Route 193).
Preliminary investigation by Trooper John Denapoli indicates that WAHOME was operating a 2006 Nissan Altima on Route 395 North when his vehicle struck a stationary 2005 Dodge truck that was towing a camper, while parked in the breakdown lane. Two occupants of the Dodge, 81-year-old Robert G. Farner and 77-year-old Chloe K. Farner, both of Cottonwood Shores, Texas, were struck by the Nissan as they were attempting to change a flat tire on the camper. As a result, both of them suffered fatal injuries.
The Nissan then rolled over and came to rest in the breakdown lane. WAHOME sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester.
Route 395 North in Webster was closed for approximately one hour and traffic was diverted through Webster from Connecticut due to the investigation. At approximately 8:15 a.m., one lane of Route 395 North was open to traffic as the investigation continued.
This crash investigation was conducted by Troop C of the Massachusetts State Police with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section and The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Webster Police and Fire Departments and the Connecticut State Police assisted troopers at the scene.
No further information is available at this time. Please do not contact the barracks directly.