Berkley, MA — January 13, 2025, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 1 p.m. on Route 24/Fall River Expressway.

Authorities said a vehicle was headed south when it crashed into a truck that was parked in the breakdown lane. The vehicle reportedly caught fire after the collision.

The driver, whose name has not been made public at this time, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities said the truck had been parked alongside the road by a work crew.

No additional information about the crash has been released, as the accident is still being investigated.

Commentary

This crash on Route 24 raises important questions about why the vehicle left the travel lanes and collided with a parked truck in the breakdown lane. When a collision results in a fatality, understanding the contributing factors is critical to ensuring accountability and improving safety measures.

The first question is why the vehicle entered the breakdown lane. Investigators will likely examine the driver’s actions in the moments leading up to the crash, including reviewing cell phone records, witness accounts and any available surveillance or dashcam footage.

The position and visibility of the parked truck are also critical. Work crews have a responsibility to ensure that vehicles parked in breakdown lanes are clearly visible and do not present an undue hazard to passing traffic. Investigators will need to determine whether the truck had its hazard lights activated or other safety measures, such as warning signs or cones, in place to alert oncoming drivers.

Another factor to consider is whether the road’s design played a role. Was the breakdown lane wide enough to accommodate the parked truck safely? Were there any obstructions or design flaws that may have contributed to the vehicle leaving the travel lanes? Roadways are not just designed for traffic flow; they must also account for emergency or work-related stops in a way that minimizes risks for other drivers.

The fire following the collision adds a layer of complexity. Fires in crashes like these often result from damage to a vehicle’s fuel system or ignition during the impact. Investigators will need to assess whether the severity of the collision or any design vulnerabilities in the vehicle contributed to the fire.

For the family of the driver who died, finding answers is essential. A thorough investigation will help determine whether the collision was the result of driver error, insufficient safety precautions by the work crew or other factors. Identifying the cause can inform changes to reduce the risk of similar incidents on high-speed highways like Route 24 in the future.