Abington, MA — A second victim dies following a stolen SUV crash during a police chase.
A woman succumbed to her injuries on Friday night from a crash that occurred Wednesday morning on Washington Street, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office.
The driver, identified as 17-year-old Sebastian Hamilton of Weymouth, was found pinned inside the vehicle with fatal injuries. A 14-year-old passenger was ejected from the SUV, and two other passengers, aged 14 to 17, sustained life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals before being transferred to Boston for further treatment.
Abington Police reported that the Hyundai Santa Fe had been stolen from Brockton the day before the crash. An officer attempted to pull the vehicle over; however, Hamilton fled at high speed before losing control and crashing into a tree.
Washington Street was temporarily closed between Central Street and Lincoln Boulevard to facilitate the investigation. Authorities advised motorists to expect delays in the area.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. The officer involved in the pursuit has been placed on administrative leave, with the department stating this is standard procedure, not punitive. The officer has worked with the department for less than two years.
Abington Police Chief John Bonney commended the prompt response of emergency personnel, reiterating the traumatic nature of the incident. “This officer is a kind, caring human being, and on a human level, this is difficult,” Bonney said.