Car catches fire as firefighters help victim in Swansea crash

SWANSEA, Mass. (WLNE) — Swansea police and fire responded to a serious crash on Swansea Mall Drive on Thursday night.

Police Chief Marc Haslam said that they received a 911 call around 8 p.m., and that the only occupants were the drivers of both vehicles involved in the crash, a 20-year-old and 53-year-old man.

Swansea first responders were on the scene of a serious crash on Jan. 18, 2024. (WLNE)

He added that one of the cars caught fire while the fire department was helping a victim, and the person in that car sustained serious injuries.

Haslam said both drivers were transported to Rhode Island Hospital, with the driver of the car that did not catch fire being placed in police custody due to suspicions of driving under the influence.

Swansea first responders were on the scene of a serious crash on Jan. 18, 2024. (WLNE)

ABC 6 News crews on scene saw multiple emergency vehicles as well as a car with a smashed front end.

They also saw that the side of the road where the crash occurred was closed.