BERNARDSTON — A female driver was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield late Friday night following a rollover crash in the area of Brattleboro Road (Route 5) and Keets Brook Road.

The cause of the crash, which was reported at 10:30 p.m., is being investigated by the Bernardston Police Department, although Fire Chief Peter Shedd said “it looks like speed was a factor.” The vehicle struck a utility pole and a tree after going off the road.

Removal of the windshield was needed to extricate the driver from the car. Shedd said he was unsure of the extent of the driver’s injuries but noted she was able to get herself out of the car and walk to the stretcher before being transported to Baystate Medical Center by Northfield EMS. Although first responders had inquired about getting a medical helicopter, one was unable to respond due to cloud coverage, according to Shedd.

Shedd noted it was lucky the car hit the tree and utility pole because otherwise it would have struck a house.

Eversource and Verizon responded to assist with the utility pole, which had to be replaced before the car could be towed. In the meantime, Route 5 was closed in both directions but reopened at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday. No power outages resulted from the crash, according to Shedd.

Responding agencies were Bernardston Fire, Bernardston Police, Northfield Police and Northfield EMS.

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.

]]>