NORTH READING, Mass. — Two people are dead, including a minor, after an overnight crash in North Reading.
21-year-old Matthew Sweeney of Paxton was charged with felony motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence and operating to endanger.
According to investigators, around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sweeney was operating an Acura MDX traveling at a high rate of speed on Route 28 when he collided with another vehicle, a Honda HR-V, that was stopped at a red light.
As a result of the crash, the Honda became engulfed in flames.
First responders and a Good Samaritan attempted to get the occupants out of the car; a male and a minor died on the scene.
A woman spoke with Boston 25 News and identified the two victims as her 35-year-old son, Samir Nali, and her 8-year-old granddaughter, Kashmira Naili.
The owner of a pizza shop told Boston 25 he was closing up shop for the night when he heard a loud bang and ran outside.
“A police officer came, and the car was dark. So, he screamed if there was anybody inside. I told him to use something to break the windows,” he said.
“From the moment he opened the windows, then the fire erupted.”
Andover Public Schools Superintendent Keith Taverna released a statement regarding the crash.
<i>Dear APS staff and families, </i>
<i>It is with deep sadness and with the family’s permission that we inform you about a recent loss to the South School community. An incoming 3rd grade South School student was a passenger in a fatal car accident in North Reading on Saturday night. The incident remains under investigation and the district is following the lead of public safety officials before providing further information. </i>
<i>We extend our deepest condolences and support to the victims and their family. We understand that this loss may bring a range of emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school community. </i>
<i>Our district’s crisis support team, made up of professionals trained to assist during difficult times, will be available to provide care and guidance to staff, students and families. </i><i><b>APS Mental Health staff will be available at the South School on Monday August 24th and Tuesday August 25th from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. for those who may need someone to talk with. </b></i>
<i>If you feel your child may need additional support, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school principal directly. </i>
<i>As a community, we will continue to care for and support one another. Please keep the family and the entire South School community in your thoughts. </i>
<i>Keith TavernaSuperintendent, Andover Public Schools</i>
— Keith Taverna, Andover Public Schools Superintendent
Sweeney was arrested and charged on scene and will be arraigned tomorrow in Woburn District Court.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW