| WINCHENDON — Two motorcyclists suffered critical injuries Friday night after a man driving a minivan crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with three motorcycles. According to police, at approximately 7:02 p.m., Winchendon Fire and Police departments were dispatched to Route 202 at the intersection of River and Benjamin streets for a report of a multivehicle accident involving several motorcycles. The initial investigation, according to police, revealed that Roland J. Rocheleau, 79, of 18 Munroe St., Winchendon, was driving his Ford minivan traveling south when he crossed into the opposite lane of travel in front of five motorcycles traveling in the opposite direction. Two of the motorcycles struck the mini-van on the passenger side and front end causing extensive damage to all three vehicles. A third motorcycle, attempting to avoid the collision, ran over the two motorcycles involved in the accident. The motorcyclists injured in the collision, who were identified as Kevin A. Gauthier, of 139 Elm St. in Winchendon and Jeffrey A. Vincent of 34 West St. in Winchendon, were transported via MedFlight to University of Massachusetts Memorial hospital and were listed in critical condition as of presstime. According to police, Mr. Rocheleau was transported to Heywood Hospital with minor injuries and the third motorcyclist walked away from the accident with only minor injuries. The Winchendon Police Department is currently investigating the crash, assisted by the State Police Reconstruction Team. Investigating officers at the scene were Patrolman Alan Ross, Patrolman Richard Oinonen and Sgt. William Geoffroy. The Mass. State Police Department assisted at the scene. oboss@thegardnernews.com |
| Appeared on Page 1 on 10/13/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 242) |
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