NORTH READING — Chief Michael P. Murphy reports that the North Reading Police Department is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred this morning.
At 6 a.m. on Dec. 11, police received a 911 call from the homeowner of 17 Elm Street, otherwise known as Route 62, who reported that a vehicle had crashed into their house.
Police and Fire responded to the scene and found that a Honda sedan, which was driven by a female operator, had crashed into the front, left corner of the home, causing significant damage.
The driver, a 39-year-old woman from Wilmington, was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was the sole occupant of the car.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the driver crossed the double yellow line while headed eastbound on Route 62. She then veered off the roadway, struck a curb and then a tree before careening into the house.
The homeowner, along with two other people, were in the residence at the time of the crash, but no one was injured. The North Reading Building Inspector was on scene to determine if the house was safe to reenter.
The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Section also responded to assist with the investigation as well as the Office of the State Medical Examiner.
Route 62 was closed in both directions from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. during the initial investigation and recovery efforts.
The woman’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
At this time, the investigation is open and ongoing. Conditions this morning were foggy and police are looking into whether weather played a part in the crash. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office is also investigating the incident as an unattended death.
“This is a very sad situation where a life was lost suddenly and unexpectedly,” Chief Murphy said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family during this difficult time.”
