Tiverton Teen In Critical Condition After Crash Sends Car Airborne, Ejects Him

TIVERTON, RI — A teen is in critical condition after police said his car struck a rock, went airborne, rolled over, and caught fire on Tuesday morning in Tiverton.

Tiverton police said the crash happened around 12:54 a.m. in the area of Fish Road and Hooper Street. When officers arrived, they found a 2004 Hyundai Tiburon on fire with heavy damage.

Police said the driver, identified as Owen Sullivan, 19,of Tiverton, was ejected from his car. Officers pulled him away from the burning vehicle and provided first aid until an ambulance arrived, police said. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police said Sullivan was the only person in the car.

According to a preliminary investigation, Sullivan was driving south on Fish Road when his car left the left lane and crossed into the opposite side of traffic near Bears Den Road.

Police said the vehicle then struck a large rock, which caused it to go airborne. According to police, the car rolled over several times and traveled 370 feet before stopping and catching fire.

Police said speed appears to be a contributing factor in the crash, but the exact cause remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to email Officer Jack Barter at jbarter@tivertonpoliceri.com or Officer Nicole Beauvais at nbeauvais@tivertonpoliceri.com.

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