State Police Investigate Serious Personal Injury Crash in Orange

Today, at approximately 07:45 a.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Athol, as well as Troopers working construction details in the area, responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 2 between exits 16 and 17 in Orange.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Hari Arisetty indicates that 45-year-old Ann Chenausky of North Orange, was operating a 2000 Toyota Tundra pick-up Eastbound on Route 2 when her vehicle crossed over the centerline into the Westbound travel lane. Her vehicle collided with a 2009 tractor-trailer truck being operated by 44-year-old Mark Whitestone of Petersham.

Chenausky was transported to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center University Campus in Worcester via a medical helicopter for serious injuries. Whitestone was not injured.

Chenausky, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was trapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated by responding Fire Department personnel. Whitestone was wearing a seatbelt. It remains under investigation if charges will be sought against Chenausky in this crash.

The tractor-trailer caught fire and was extinguished by responding Fire Department personnel. The tractor trailer was placarded as carrying butane.

As a result of this head-on crash, Route 2 was closed in both directions for approximately four hours and was re-opened at 11:50 a.m.

The crash remains under investigation by Troop C of the Massachusetts State Police with assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section, and the State Police Commercial Motor-Vehicle Enforcement Section.

State Police Troopers were assisted by Orange Police Department, Athol Police Department, Orange Fire/Rescue, Athol Fire/Rescue and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division.

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