Elderly New Bedford Woman Killed in This Morning’s Fatal Crash

NEW BEDFORD — A crash this morning in New Bedford's North End has claimed the life of a 68-year-old city woman, while another victim is in critical condition.

At approximately 9:49 a.m., New Bedford Police received 911 calls regarding a motor vehicle crash at Ashley Boulevard and Tallman Street. When police and first responders arrived they located two motor vehicles that had been involved in a collision. Two victims were extricated from a Toyota Corolla. The driver of the Corolla, identified as 68-year-old Janet Murphy of New Bedford, was pronounced deceased during transport to Rhode Island Hospital.

The second victim, a male passenger of the Corolla, is in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital.

It is believed that the second motor vehicle, a Chevy Malibu, contained two occupants at the time of the crash. One occupant was located on scene and the second is believed to have fled. Police are actively searching for the whereabouts of the second occupant.

Initial investigation has revealed that Fairhaven police had attempted to stop the Chevy Malibu in Fairhaven. At that time, the Malibu fled into New Bedford. It appears that the Malibu was traveling west on Tallman Street, approaching Ashley Boulevard, when the driver failed to stop at the stop sign and collided with the Corolla.

The District Attorney's Office says the investigation is active and ongoing, no further information can be released at this time.