Phillipston, Massachusetts (September 15, 2025) — A multi-vehicle crash involving a logging truck on Route 2 in Phillipston left eight people injured Monday morning, including one with life-threatening injuries, according to Massachusetts State Police.
Incident Details: The collision occurred just before 10 a.m. on westbound Route 2 near Templeton and Phillipston. Police said a traffic backup began when an oversized vehicle stopped in a merge lane at the top of a hill. Oncoming drivers were unable to see the stalled vehicles in time, triggering a chain reaction.
The logging truck and a passenger car caught fire following the impact. A bystander pulled one person from a burning vehicle before firefighters arrived, according to the Phillipston Fire Department. Crews quickly knocked down the flames, preventing further damage.
At least six people were transported to hospitals, including one airlifted with traumatic injuries. Five others were treated at local hospitals, while two people declined medical transport. Among the other vehicles involved were a dump truck, two vans, and two pickup trucks.
Route 2 was shut down in both directions for several hours while first responders from five neighboring departments assisted with rescue operations and traffic control. The highway has since reopened.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Massachusetts State Police continue to investigate the sequence of events that led to the crash. Factors under review include whether speed, driver attentiveness, and visibility at the hill crest contributed to the severity of the collision. Investigators will also evaluate whether the stopped oversized vehicle was properly marked or escorted, as required in some cases under state law.
Commercial truck crashes often involve multiple layers of liability, including driver conduct, company safety policies, and maintenance records. In this case, logging truck operators may face scrutiny regarding load securement, vehicle inspections, and compliance with commercial motor vehicle regulations. Injured victims may pursue personal injury claims to recover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. Those with long-term or life-threatening injuries may also be entitled to future care costs and compensation for diminished quality of life.
Accidents involving large trucks are particularly dangerous due to the massive size and force of impact, which can transform a simple highway slowdown into a catastrophic multi-car event.
I wish a full recovery to all eight people injured in this Phillipston crash and commend the bystander whose quick actions saved a life.
Source: CBS Boston