A Winchendon, Mass., man was killed Wednesday night in a two-vehicle crash on Route 119, according to Rindge police.
According to a press release issued by the Rindge police, the Rindge police and fire departments responded at about 9:16 p.m. to the area of 422 Route 119 for a report of a two-vehicle crash involving entrapment, a vehicle fire and serious injuries.
Richard Pezzolesi, 52, of Winchendon, Mass., was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services personnel.
An investigation determined that Pezzolesi was driving a gray 2018 Ford Fiesta west on Route 119 when he attempted to turn onto Old Ashburnham Road. His vehicle entered the path of an eastbound 2023 Jeep Compass driven by Robert Adams, 24, of Ashburnham, police said.
The vehicles collided head-on, sustaining heavy front-end damage before rolling more than 100 feet and coming to rest on the eastbound shoulder. Police said Adams’ vehicle landed on its passenger side, stacked on top of the driver’s side of Pezzolesi’s car.
With assistance of a passerby, police extinguished the vehicle fire. Adams was able to remove himself from his vehicle, and was evaluated by medical personnel on the scene. A med-flight was requested, but could not fly due to weather conditions. Adams was taken by the Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Mass., with serious injuries.
A third vehicle, a gray 2021 Honda Accord driven by James Bertram, 47, of Rindge, drove through the debris field before first responders arrived, disabling the vehicle. Bertram was not injured. Police said a fourth vehicle also drove through the debris field but did not stop; the driver is asked to contact the Rindge Police Department.
Route 119 was closed for about four hours. Three vehicles were towed from the scene.
Police said the crash remains under investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact Officer Sam Kelley at (603) 899-5009 ext. 46 or Chief Rachel D. Malynowski at ext. 15.