Massachusetts Horror: Teen killed, 4 others sustain ‘life-threatening’ injuries as stolen car crashes into tree after police pursuit; here’s what we know

A 17-year-old was killed, and four others sustained injuries after a car crash occurred in Abington, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The incident unfolded when the deceased boy, who was driving a Hyundai Santa Fe that had been reported stolen, failed to stop on Walnut Street in Abington, the Abington Police Department (APD) said in a news release.

“At approximately 7:47 this morning, Abington Police observed a Hyundai Santa Fe that had previously been reported stolen and were attempting to make a motor vehicle stop when it appears the motor vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree at 877 Washington Street. Five people were inside the Hyundai Santa Fe at the time of the crash,” APD said in its release.

Passengers suffered ‘life-threatening’ injuries

One of the passengers, a girl, was thrown from the vehicle during the crash, while the driver became trapped inside and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the APD. The three other passengers, including one boy and two girls, suffered life-threatening injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals before being transferred to medical facilities in Boston for further treatment.

Authorities have not publicly identified any of those involved. APD Chief John Bonney said he had spoken with the deceased driver's mother and added that investigators have not yet determined whether the boy had stolen the vehicle.

What did surveillance footage reveal

Surveillance footage obtained by ABC affiliate WCVB showed the SUV speeding through a red light with police vehicles following close behind just moments before the crash. Witnesses told the station the vehicle was traveling at a high speed before slamming into a large tree.

"I heard excessive speed coming down the street, and then I heard a huge crash into the tree," witness Mindy Redman said, as quoted by WCVB. "The cops were there immediately. They were right behind them." Another witness told the ABC affiliate television station they heard a loud crash followed almost immediately by sirens.

"You could hear kind of a thump, like a crash, and some sirens pretty quickly behind it, but it didn't really sound like they were coming from it. They were already there for sure," said another witness. The officer involved in the pursuit was placed on paid administrative leave, in line with department policy. Meanwhile, Washington Street was closed between Central Street and Lincoln Boulevard as emergency crews responded to the crash and worked to clear the scene.

Following the crash, Abington Police notified the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, which launched an investigation. Authorities said the investigation remains active and ongoing.