Cumberland car crash leaves 17-year-old dead

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WLNE) — Police confirmed that around 10:45 p.m. Thursday night, Cumberland officials responded to a car crash on Mendon Rd., leaving one dead.

A 17-year-old boy from Woonsocket died from injuries sustained in the crash.

According to police, the teen was travelling southbound in the northbound lane on Mendon Rd. when another vehicle was struck as it turned off Vivian Ave.

The vehicle came off the roadway after the initial collision, then severed a telephone pole and struck a fire hydrant, and returned back to the road after rolling over.

The vehicle came to rest on its side, where the driver was partially ejected.

After investigation, it was determined that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. The driver’s side seatbelt receiver has a device installed to prevent the buckle from being inserted.

The victim was transported by Cumberland medical personnel to Rhode Island Hospital. The other driver refused medical assistance on scene.

Speed and driving behavior were determined as contributing factors of the crash, officials shared.

Mendon Rd. remained closed for over six hours until the scene was cleared.

Chief Benson shared the following statement:

“On behalf of the Cumberland Police Department, I offer my condolences to this young man’s family, friends, and loved ones. This tragic loss of a young life is heartbreaking, yet avoidable. I would like to remind all motorists to always wear their seatbelt and drive within a safe, and appropriate, speed and manner. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the Rhode Island State Police for their assistance with this case.”