Taunton Man Killed After Rear-Ending Box Truck on Rt. 24

WEST BRIDGEWATER — A Taunton man is dead following an early morning crash on Route 24 in West Bridgewater.

Massachusetts State Police responded to the crash at 2:17 a.m. on Wednesday in the southbound lanes of Route 24 in West Bridgewater, just south of Exit 16.

Upon arrival, State Police observed that a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze had crashed into the rear of an Isuzu box truck.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the box truck, driven by a 71-year-old Whitman man, was just merging from the breakdown lane into the first travel lane, ahead of the Chevrolet Cruze which was traveling at a much higher rate of speed. The driver of the Cruze, Dwayne Williams, 46, of Taunton, was unable to slow down enough to avoid a collision with the box truck, and rear-ended the vehicle.

The impact of the crash trapped Williams in the car. He was extricated by West Bridgewater and Bridgewater Fire Departments. However, he was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

The driver of the box truck received minor injuries and was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton.

Emergency response to the accident required the closure of the right two travel lanes. All lanes of travel were reopened at about 4 a.m.

No charges have been filed against the driver of the Isuzu. State Police say if any charges are deemed appropriate, they will be filed when the investigation into the crash is complete.

The remaining facts and circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.