Girl killed; alleged drunk driver faces charges
FRANKLIN, MASS. (WJAR) — An alleged drunk driving crash in Franklin Massachusetts tears a young family’s lives apart.
Police say one little girl is dead and two of her family members remain in the hospital tonight.
Franklin Police say the crash happened just before 6:30 Saturday night on Grove Street.
Aerial drone footage shows a black pickup truck with severe hood damage crossing over a yellow center divider.
Colliding with a small sedan, police say all 4 of its occupants, a pair of parents and two young children, were rushed to the hospital.
It was there, they say, a young girl was declared dead.
“I think that it’s important to understand that Massachusetts has a zero tolerance policy for this stuff,” one Franklin resident told NBC10. “There are signs everywhere and it’s just really sad.”
Franklin police say behind the wheel of the pickup truck was 21-year-old James Blanchard.
Arrested on-scene, he now faces a series of charges including motor vehicle homicide, driving under the influence and operating a motor vehicle with an open container of alcohol.
Meanwhile with Memorial Day Weekend being a notorious drinking holiday.
Franklin residents say there’s no excuse for endangering the lives of yourself and others by getting onto the road under the influence.
“For those who are going to party, party responsibly and don’t get behind the wheel,” another Franklin resident added. “Make sure loved ones don’t drink and drive.”
Franklin police say the brother and mother of the little girl who was killed remain in the hospital tonight.
Blanchard is being held on $500 thousand bail, expected in court for his arraignment this upcoming Tuesday.
