Child killed in crash involving stolen car from Kenny Chesney concert

PLAINVILLE, Mass. (WLNE) — A man from Oxford is in police custody after he allegedly stole an SUV from the parking lot of Gillette Stadium during the Kenny Chesney concert, and rear-ended a car in Plainville carrying a family of six.

A 10-year-old was killed and the other five members were seriously injured. 

According to Massachusetts State Police, 42-year-old Michael Escolas was traveling at a high rate of speed on Route 1 South in a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which he allegedly stole from a parking lot at Gillette Stadium, when he rear-ended a Nissan Altima stopped at a red light near the intersection of Route 1 and Interstate 495 around 8:40 p.m.

The intersection of Route 495 and Route 1 in Plainville. (WLNE)

The car was carrying a family of six, including a mother, father, and their four children.

Each family member sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash and required transportation to area hospitals.

One of the children, a 10-year-old boy, was pronounced dead at the hospital. 

Police said there was damage to four other vehicles.  

Escolas was arrested at the scene and suspected for driving under the influence. 

Route 1 South at I-495 and the nearby exits were closed until shortly before midnight.

Troopers working the Kenny Chesney concert responded to the scene.

The crash is still under investigation at this time.

 “We offer our condolences to the family for the loss of their child. Due to the child’s age and out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we will not be releasing their identity,” Massachusetts State Police said in a statement.

Escolas is expected to be arraigned on charges of manslaughter and larceny on Monday.

He remains in custody in lieu of $25,000 cash bail.