WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — State police are searching for a driver in connection with a fiery hit-and-run crash on Route 24 in West Bridgewater that left a woman dead late Monday night.
Troopers responding to a report of a crash on the northbound side of the highway around 10:30 p.m. learned that a 2008 Toyota Scion TC had clipped a 2015 Honda Accord as it changed lanes, sending it into a concrete barrier in the median, according to Massachusetts State Police.
A 2022 Ford Maverick pickup then struck the rear of the Honda, causing it to become fully engulfed in flames. West Bridgewater firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish the blaze.
The driver of the Honda, 46-year-old Erpharo Gilbert, of Raynham, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford wasn’t injured.
The driver of the Toyota fled the scene. Investigators are now working to track down the vehicle and identify the driver.
“The son of a b----, I hope they get him. And I feel awful for the driver of the truck that hit the car. The whole thing is just a mess, just a mess,” said Leslie Aranda of Raynham. Aranda says the news that her well-liked neighbor is gone, is shocking,
“I don’t know what to say,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking, it’s terrible, I feel terrible.”
“There’s been a lot of accidents on the road. I’ve been here maybe a year and a half and ive seen at least five accidents on the road,” said Jennifer Pestana of Taunton
“People drive fast everywhere. People drive ridiculously fast dangerously, its horrible. We accept it in life, I guess,” said Matt Henzy of Jamaica Plain
Back in Raynham, Leslie has a message for the hit and run driver.
“Turn yourself in. just turn yourself in. probably took off because you were drinking or something. 930 at night. I just think it’s a shame,” Aranda added.
All three northbound lanes were closed for about four hours while crews worked to clear the wreckage.
State police detectives assigned to the Plymouth District Attorney’s Office are leading the investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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