HARWICH – Multiple injuries were reported after a fiery crash in Harwich sometime after 10:30 PM Monday. The crash happened on Queen Anne Road between Factory Road and Main Street. Rescuers called for two MedFlight helicopters to land at the Cape Cod Regional Technical School to fly the most seriously injured victims to off-Cape trauma centers. Ambulances from Brewster and Dennis responded to transport additional victims to Cape Cod Hospital. The cause of the crash is under investigation by Harwich Police.
From Harwich Fire: At 10:48 PM, Harwich Fire responded to Queen Anne Road and Rebecca Road for a reported single vehicle crash. Harwich Police arrived to find a car that had left the roadway, gone through a guardrail and caught fire. Four patients were outside the vehicle, and one was still inside.
Harwich Police officers used a fire extinguisher to knock down the fire and then removed the last patient from the car.
On arrival of the fire department, the car was fully involved, and all five patients were being tended to by police officers. Command immediately requested three additional ambulances, recalled all off-duty personnel and two MedFlight helicopters were requested.
Mutual aid was received from Dennis, Brewster and Chatham. Three patients were transported to Cape Cod Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and two were transported to Mass General Brigham Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The vehicle fire was quickly extinguished by personnel.
The crash is under investigation by Harwich Police.
From Harwich Police Chief Kevin Considine: On November 18th at 10:45 PM, Officer Jessica Ferreira was parked on Queen Anne Road observing traffic. A 2017 BMW passed by Officer Ferreira at a high rate of speed, estimated at over 70 MPH. Once the vehicle passed the officer, it accelerated in speed. At the same time, a short way down Queen Anne Road, Officer Thomas Griffiths was also parked along Queen Anne Road. Officer Griffiths could h ear the vehicle accelerate and shortly thereafter saw the vehicle pass by him, now estimated as a speed at over 80 miles per hour. Officer Griffiths pulled out to attempt to get behind the vehicle but due to the vehicle speed, lost sight of the vehicle. As Officer Griffiths approached the area of 357 Queen Anne Road, he observed the vehicle crashed into the woods on fire.
Four occupants were out of the vehicle. They told Officer Griffiths there was still a female teen trapped in the back seat. Officer Griffiths retrieved his fire extinguisher and knocked down some of the flames. He was then able to pull the teenage female out of the car. Officer Ferreira arrived on scene and both officers dragged the victims away from the car. Officer Griffiths was able to apply a tourniquet to one of the victim’s leg and both officers continued to offer care.
Three were transported to Cape Cod Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and two were transported to Mass General Brigham Hospital by MedFlight with life-threatening injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by the Harwich Police Department and charges will be filed against the 18-year-old driver from Brewster. The victims ranged in age from 15-18 years old.
There is no doubt in my mind that there would have been at least one fatality in this crash if it were not for the quick actions and bravery of Officer Griffiths in removing the victim from the burning car. Both Officer Griffiths and Officer Ferreira recognized the danger and provided immediate care to both occupants who were facing life-threatening injuries. Both are to be commended for their actions in saving a life.
Top photos by Jake O’Callaghan/CWN; lower photos by David Curran/Satellite News Service/CWN
Additional video by BSears Media/CWN:
