NORTH READING, Mass. — Police say a driver under the influence Saturday night caused a fiery wreck that killed a father and his daughter.
The parents of 35-year-old Samir say their son was killed in the crash at Route 28 and North St. Saturday. They arrived at the scene to lay flowers for their son and granddaughter, 8-year-old Kashmira. They say she was about to enter the third grade at South School in Andover.
Kashmira’s grandmother said she was a beautiful and sweet young girl. They lived about ten minutes away from the crash site and were just on their way home from picking up some milk. She said her son loved music and was a great father. The heartbroken mom and grandmother added she was very grateful to the people working and living nearby who tried to help.
One of those people is the owner of Captain Pizza, Sterzios Papadopulos. He told reporters that he heard a loud boom, and ran outside to see what happened.
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“I’ve been here 38 years, and I’ve never heard a noise like that. I was pulling his hand and the officer and another guy. We could not get him out,” Papadopulos said.
One of the people living right near the intersection, Reinaldo Demederros also heard the collision and ran over.
“Thought what if it was me and my family. That’s why I ran over there and tried to help,” he said. “As a father to see that and going through that it’s just somethingthat’ss going to take a while for me to forget.”
Police say 21-year-old Matthew Sweeney of Paxton was driving under the influence and speeding at this intersection when his SUV slammed into another car that was stopped at a red light. The impact pushes the car into the sign of a small plaza before the car ignites into flames.
Andover Public Schools don’t begin classes until September, but the Superintendent, Keith Taverna, shared this message:
<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>
— Keith Taverna, Andover Public Schools Superintendent
The suspect is expected in Woburn District Court on Monday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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