Speeding a Factor in Fatal Attleboro Accident

Massachusetts State Police and the reported to the scene of a fatal two-car accident that occurred just before 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 95 Southbound in Attleboro.

One car was on fire, but Attleboro Fire put out the fire moments after arriving on scene. State Police have confirmed to Attleboro Patch that one person was ejected from a vehicle and one died on scene. The driver of the Ford Explorer, Claudette Kumor, a 57 year-old woman from Northborough, who was hit by a Toyota Camry, died after she was ejected from the SUV, according to State Police Sgt. Monzon. 

The Jaws of Life were used by emergency medical personnel to remove a door before they pulled the 34-year-old injured passenger, Carolyn Bibbo of Woonsocket, RI from the vehicle. Bibbo, who had plans to celebrate her birthday today, was seriously injured and transported to Rhode Island Hospital. 

The preliminary investigation by Trooper Isom shows that the green 1994 Toyota Camry was being operated in the right travel lane. The driver closed distance with and crashed into the rear bumper of a blue 2004 Ford Explorer, which was ahead of her in the right travel lane.  

"According to a witness, the Camry was speeding and didn't attempt to brake before hitting the Explorer," State Police Trooper Michael A. Isom told Attleboro Patch. "The Camry operator stated she was doing approximately 75, the witness says it was well above that. I would say the speed was close to 90. Speed was definitely a factor."

The very shaken female driver of the Camry, Samantha Lee Fletcher, 19, of Danvers, who rear-ended the other vehicle was picked up by her father who spoke with State Police about the accident.

Monzon said State Police Trooper Isom, with assistance by the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, is handling the accident reconstruction. Isom said it will be a "long time" before it is complete.