Fatality in New Salem vehicle accident

NEW SALEM — A 75-year-old man was killed by a fallen tree near the intersection of Sweezy Lane while driving along Route 122 in New Salem on Wednesday, according to Massachusetts State Police Trooper James DeAngelis.

According to DeAngelis, troopers from the State Police-Athol Barracks responded to Route 122 in New Salem at 11.51 a.m. for a crash involving a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado that struck — or was struck by — a falling tree. The 75-year-old operator of the pickup truck suffered fatal injuries.

Fire Chief Joe Cuneo, who did not respond to the scene, said at around 3 p.m. that responding personnel were still working there.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by State Police-Athol, the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the State Police Detective Unit for Hampshire/Franklin County. DeAngelis noted that the investigation involves determining the exact sequence of events that led to the tree falling.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.

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