37-year old New Bedford man identified in fatal crash in Raynham

UPDATE: The sole occupant of the vehicle that crashed yesterday morning on Route 495 northbound in Raynham is identified as Kevin V. Lopes, 37, of New Bedford. Mr. Lopes suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Wednesday at about 7:00 a.m., State Police from the Middleboro barracks responded to a single-vehicle crash on Route 495 northbound at exit 8 in Raynham which resulted in the death of the operator.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Cory Medeiros indicates that a 2003 Honda Accord was traveling on Route 495 northbound in the right travel lane when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle traveled across all lanes and struck a bridge abutment off the left side of the roadway.

The operator and sole occupant, a 37-year-old New Bedford man, was extricated from the vehicle by two off-duty firefighters (Wareham and Attleboro fire departments) who happened to be traveling in the area. The two firefighters began first aid and resuscitation efforts while awaiting EMS. The operator was transported to Morton Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.

The cause of this crash remains under investigation with assistance from the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Crime Scene Services Section, and detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. State Police were also assisted on scene by Raynham Fire and EMS.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending family notification. There is no further information available at this time. Please do not contact the barracks for media inquiries.