Speed a possible cause in I-190 crash that claimed two

By Mike Elfland TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

State Police investigate the scene of an accident on I-190 that claimed two lives. (Steve Lanava) Enlarge photo

WEST BOYLSTON— Speed appears to be a factor in an Interstate 190 accident that killed a man and woman, police said this morning.

The one-car crash happened about 9:45 last night on I-190 north, about a mile south of Exit 5.

A preliminary investigation by Trooper Hari Arisetty said the Dodge Viper appeared to be going over the speed limit at the time of the crash. The state police investigation is continuing.

The male driver of the car and a female passenger were declared dead at the scene, said state police. Neither victim wore a seat belt, police said.

According to state police, the driver lost control of the car and struck the Jersey barrier on the left side of the roadway before veering across the travel lanes and slamming into the guardrail off the right shoulder. The car came to rest wedged under the guardrail.

Authorities are not releasing the names of the victims until families are notified.

After the accident, the right lane of I-190 northbound was closed for about four hours. West Boylston firefighters and police assisted at the scene.