ABINGTON, Mass. — Authorities have identified the 17-year-old driver of a stolen SUV who was killed Wednesday morning when the vehicle crashed into a tree during a police chase, seriously injuring four passengers.
Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Abington Police Chief John Bonney identified the driver as Sebastian Hamilton on Thursday.
According to investigators, Abington police spotted a red Hyundai Santa Fe that had previously been reported stolen at about 7:50 a.m. and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The SUV then left the roadway and struck a tree near 877 Washington Street.
Five people, between 14 and 17 years of age, were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
A female passenger was ejected from the SUV, officials said. Three other passengers, including one male and two females, suffered life-threatening injuries. They were initially taken to area hospitals before being transferred to Boston for further treatment.
Hamilton became trapped inside the wreckage and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The four surviving passengers, whose names haven’t been released, remain hospitalized and continue to receive treatment, according to the district attorney’s office.
Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision, although the officer involved in the pursuit has been placed on leave in accordance with department protocol, Abington Police Chief John Bonney said.
The crash remains under investigation by Abington police and the Massachusetts State Police.
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