Attleboro, Massachusetts (March 4, 2026) — A 43-year-old Mansfield man died after a crash involving a tractor-trailer early Wednesday morning on Interstate 95 in Attleboro, according to authorities.
Officials identified the victim as Chad Askew of Mansfield.
The crash occurred around 5:20 a.m. on Interstate 95 North just before Exit 4 (Route 123) near the weigh station.
Incident Details: According to the Attleboro Fire Department and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, first responders were dispatched to reports of a serious crash involving a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer. When emergency crews arrived, they found a blue Honda Civic that had collided with a tractor-trailer along the northbound side of the highway.
Authorities also reported that investigators located a white semi-trailer without a tractor attached in the breakdown lane, along with a red Volvo tractor connected to another semi-trailer nearby. The exact sequence of events leading to the crash, including how the vehicles were positioned, remains under investigation.
Firefighters provided emergency medical treatment to Askew at the scene before transporting him to Sturdy Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.
Despite those efforts, Askew was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
No other motorists involved in the crash required medical treatment.
Investigators said a man reportedly fled the scene following the crash. Massachusetts State Police issued an alert to nearby law enforcement agencies for a person seen leaving the area wearing shorts and boots.
As of Thursday afternoon, authorities said the individual had not yet been located.
Investigation: The Massachusetts State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In collisions involving passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers on interstate highways, investigators typically examine vehicle speeds, lane positioning, roadway evidence, and whether any vehicles were improperly stopped or parked.
Crash reconstruction teams will likely analyze vehicle damage patterns, debris fields, and braking evidence to determine how the Honda Civic came to collide with the tractor-trailer. Investigators may also review surveillance footage from highway cameras and nearby facilities to better understand what occurred in the moments leading up to the crash.
Authorities are also working to determine the role of the person who reportedly fled the scene, including whether that individual was connected to one of the commercial vehicles or the crash itself.
At this time, no arrests have been announced. The investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Considerations: Fatal collisions involving commercial vehicles can raise complex legal questions regarding driver responsibility, vehicle positioning, and roadway safety practices. Cases involving individuals who flee a crash scene are often subject to heightened scrutiny, as leaving the scene of a serious collision can itself constitute a criminal offense.
Depending on the investigation’s final outcome, a finding that unlawful conduct or negligence contributed to the crash could result in criminal charges and potential civil liability. Askew’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to assist with funeral and burial expenses and other costs associated with the loss of a loved one.
During this difficult time, my deepest condolences go out to Chad Askew’s family and loved ones.
Source: Boston.com