Driver In Accident That Killed Andover Girl Won't Face Charges: DA

ANDOVER, MA — The driver of a tractor-trailer that struck and killed a 5-year-old Andover girl will not face criminal charges, according to Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker.

Sidney Olson was struck by a tractor-trailer in May as she was walking to art class with her family along Main Street. Sidney and another member of her family were using the crosswalk on Elm Street with the walk sign showing when the accident occurred.

Police have said an investigation found that signals at the intersection were working properly. The speed of the truck was also not a factor, and the truck did not experience a mechanical malfunction.

The truck's driver stopped following the accident and cooperated with police.

"The investigative findings do not provide sufficient evidence to seek criminal
charges against the driver of the tractor trailer," the Essex County District Attorney's Office said in a statement released Friday. "The driver was stopped at the intersection. As he began to advance forward on the light turning green, he was unable to see Ms. Olson traveling on her scooter in the crosswalk below. The driver was not impaired by any substances and
immediately came to a controlled stop after the collision."

The "thorough and detailed" investigation included a review of video from inside the truck and conclusions from an accident reconstructionist, along with a survey of the truck, the scene, and traffic signals. Investigators also talked to multiple witnesses and performed toxicology screens of the driver, according to the district attorney.

Since the accident, residents have been calling for change to the Elm Square intersection that many call dangerous. Some of the proposed changes went into effect in August.

See related: Traffic Changes Go Into Effect At Andover's Elm Square

Andover Residents Demand Change At Traffic Study Forum

Family Mourns Loss Of 5-Year-Old Andover Girl Killed Tuesday