Video Shows Tractor-Trailer Carrying Mail Plummeting Off Mass. Bridge
By Jason Hall
February 28, 2022
Video released by the State Police Association of Massachusetts shows the exact moment in which a fully loaded tractor trailer carrying U.S. mail plummeted off the Woronoco Bridge in Russell.
The department said it responded to a report of a tractor trailer plunging into Charles River on Saturday (February 26) afternoon near the ramp from RT 95 North to the Pike in Weston.
The driver of the truck was uninjured during the accident after standing atop the trailer unit and successfully swimming to help.
"The driver was down an embankment and thanks to the personnel from Red’s towing, their quick thinking and experience helped save the man," the State Police Association of Massachusetts wrote in a post shared on its Facebook page. "The tow operators utilized the rotator to help lift the individual, who was secured in a stretcher, back up onto the roadway for quick delivery to a local hospital. This is just another example of the great teamwork our Troopers are involved with daily."
EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE: Never before seen footage from the major crash Saturday in Weston Yesterday, at approximately noon, Troopers from H2 responded to a report of a TT unit that had plunged off a bridge into the Charles River. The crash occurred near the ramp from RT 95 North to the Pike in Weston, which remained closed for the majority of Saturday as first responders worked tirelessly to clean up the mess. The driver, who was remarkably unhurt, stood atop the TT unit unable to swim waiting for help. Additional MSP assets, Weston Fire Dept, and others quickly responded to the scene to assist with the rescue. The operator was secured by divers and transported to a local area hospital for evaluation. The TT was carrying U.S. mail, therefore many of the packages had to be recovered as the truck broke in half coming out of the river. MassDOT reopened the ramp around 10:30 p.m. At this time, the cause of the crash is under investigation and no further information is available. (Media copies available upon request please contact socialmedia@msptrooper.org) Massachusetts State Police Trooper Dustin Fitch Newton Fire Department Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) Live Boston
Posted by State Police Association of Massachusetts on Sunday, February 27, 2022
State Police confirmed the Weston Fire Department and other agencies assisted with the rescue response as divers secured the operator, who was then transported to a local hospital to be evaluated.
State Police confirmed the truck was carrying U.S. mail at the time of the crash, which had to be recovered after the truck broke in half while being taken out of the river.
MassDOT kept the area closed during cleanup and reopened the ramp at around 10:30 p.m.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation and the department said no additional details are available at this time.