Woonsocket Boy, 17, Dead In Cumberland Car Crash

CUMBERLAND, RI — A 17-year-old boy from Woonsocket is dead following a car crash in Cumberland Thursday night, police confirmed in a news release Friday.

The crash occurred around 10:45 p.m. at the intersection of Mendon Road and Vivian Avenue, where the teen's vehicle struck another vehicle, according to police.

The teenager, who was the sole occupant of the car he was driving, was traveling southbound in the northbound lane on Mendon Road when another vehicle was struck as it was turning from Vivian Avenue onto Mendon, police said.

Exiting the road after the initial collision, the teenager's vehicle severed a telephone pole, struck a fire hydrant, and then tumbled before returning to the roadway, according to police. It landed on its side near Grand Avenue and the teenager was partially ejected.

Investigators said the teenager was not wearing a seatbelt and that the driver's side seatbelt receiver had a device installed to prevent the buckle from being inserted.

The teenager was taken to the hospital, while the driver of the other vehicle refused medical assistance on the scene, according to police.

"Early findings point to speed and driving behavior as contributing factors in the crash," police said.

Cumberland Police Department's Chief Matthew J. Benson shared a statement on behalf of the department.

"I offer my condolences to this young man’s family, friends, and loved ones," Benson said. "This tragic loss of a young life is heartbreaking, yet avoidable. I would like to remind all motorists to always wear their seatbelt and drive within a safe, and appropriate, speed and manner."