Two Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on US-20 in Charlton, MA
Charlton, MA — December 7, 2022, two people died in a three-vehicle accident involving a flatbed truck on U.S. Route 20 in Charlton.
Authorities say the incident happened Wednesday afternoon along Route 20 near Carroll Hill Road. Preliminary investigation suggests one of the victims may have been traveling west on the eastbound side of the highway, against traffic, when they crashed with another vehicle. One of those vehicles then also hit a nearby flatbed truck towing a boat.
One of the drivers that collided head-on was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was transported to a Worcester hospital where they were pronounced dead a short time later. No other injuries were reported.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Wrong-Way Accident on US-20 in Charlton
People may see the news say someone was driving the wrong way and think there's little else to know. However, it's always important to learn not only what happened but why. A crash caused by a driver falling asleep or drifting off-course while texting might look exactly like one caused by them losing traction on a hazardous road or fighting for control when their vehicle malfunctions, but obviously those situations are very different.
That's why it's important to make sure a full investigation, conducted by experienced professionals with the tools and training needed to evaluate all the possibilities, finds the truth. The victims' loved ones deserve no less, and any further steps would depend largely on what is learned.
