Tragic Collision: 10-Year-Old Killed, Family Injured in Stolen Car CrashA devastating incident occurred on Saturday near Gillette Stadium, where a stolen vehicle crashed into another car, tragically claiming the life of a 10-year-old boy and seriously injuring five members of his family. The alleged perpetrator, Michael Escolas, has been charged with a series of offenses, including manslaughter while driving under the influence.
Heartbreak at the Concert: Stolen Vehicle Ends in Tragedy
Stolen Jeep and the Concert Attendees
The incident began when Escolas, a 42-year-old man from Oxford, allegedly stole a Jeep from a Vermont couple who were attending a Kenny Chesney concert at Gillette Stadium. Prosecutors claim that Escolas also had a ticket to the concert, indicating a potential premeditated plan.Escolas then allegedly drove the stolen Jeep south on Route 1 towards Plainville, where he collided with a Nissan that was stopped at a traffic light near Interstate 495. The impact of the crash was devastating, with the Nissan's six occupants, including four children and their parents, suffering severe injuries.A Tragic Outcome
The 10-year-old child in the Nissan sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the three other children were transported to Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence. The parents were taken to the trauma center at Rhode Island Hospital, also in Providence, with serious injuries.Escolas himself was also seriously injured in the crash and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. The collision also involved three other vehicles, but their occupants were not hospitalized, according to prosecutors.Legal Proceedings and Charges
Escolas pleaded not guilty in Wrentham District Court to 14 charges, including several counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle, and manslaughter while driving under the influence. His next hearing is scheduled for September 19th.The tragedy has left the community devastated, and the legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely followed as the investigation continues. The loss of a young life and the serious injuries sustained by the family have sparked outrage and a call for justice.Calls for Accountability and Improved Security
The incident has also raised questions about the security measures in place at Gillette Stadium, as the theft of the Jeep occurred in the venue's parking lot. Authorities may need to re-evaluate their protocols to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future and ensure the safety of event attendees.Overall, this tragic event has shaken the community and serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the need for increased vigilance to protect the public. As the legal process unfolds, the focus will be on seeking justice for the victims and preventing such heartbreaking occurrences from happening again.