Driver taken by helicopter following Warwick crash

WARWICK — The driver of a Jeep was transported by helicopter for treatment of serious injuries Friday evening following a crash on Winchester Road near its intersection with Flower Hill Road.

Warwick Police blocked off a portion of Winchester Road at approximately 6:50 p.m. as Orange and Warwick firefighters responded, along with State Police troopers assigned to the Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Section.

According to Police Chief David Shoemaker, the driver, who was the vehicle’s sole occupant, was believed to not be wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Firefighters used extrication equipment to access the vehicle.

“Members were able to quickly use the new Jaws of Life, cutting both doors to extricate the patient for Orange Fire,” a post on the Warwick Fire Department’s Facebook page reads, adding that the equipment was recently acquired thanks to grant funding through the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. “This is the first time in town history Warwick members were able to use Jaws of Life in town as they are newly acquired. ... Another big help was having our newly equipped engine to house these lifesaving tools and carry them right to the scene of the accident.”

A LIFE STAR helicopter transported the driver to a hospital from the Orange Municipal Airport at approximately 7:40 p.m. Shoemaker said while he wasn’t certain which hospital the driver would be brought to, he believed it would be UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.