SUV Sought In Fatal Dump Truck Rollover On Route 1
SAUGUS (CBS) -- Police are asking the public for help to find an SUV that may have been involved in a fatal dump truck rollover on Route 1.
The crash on the southbound side of the highway near Walnut Street killed 62-year-old paving dump truck driver John R. Thebeau Jr., of Wilmington on Wednesday, Massachusetts State Police said.
An investigation found that a silver or gray Honda CRV SUV may have triggered the deadly crash. Police released a surviellance photo of the Honda Thursday afternoon, hoping to generate some leads.
They believe the SUV might have forced a commercial vehicle in the right lane to swerve left and hit the dump truck.
"As a result of that impact, the paving dump truck spun out of control, rolled toward its passenger side, and hit the steel ribbon guardrail before coming to rest on its wheels perpendicular across the highway," police said.
Thebau worked for D&R General Contracting of Melrose.
"This accident and the loss of John Thebeau is a terrible tragedy for his family, friends and the employees of D&R," company president Robert Rotondi said. "The accident is still under investigation, and I urge the public to help in locating the vehicle identified by the State Police which may have been involved."
Police say the Honda CRV is an older model with a spare tire compartment on the rear hatch door, and it may not be damaged. The vehicle may have driven into a nearby Taco Bell parking lot right after the crash, before getting back on Route 1 and driving away.
Anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 978-745-8909 or 978-538-6161.