Lane reopens on Route 1 SB in Peabody after car chase ends in fiery crash

PEABODY, Mass. — One lane of Route 1 southbound has reopened and all northbound lanes are open in Peabody after earlier closures from a car crash.

Both Peabody and state police were pursuing a suspect just after noon when the suspect’s car crashed on Route 1 southbound just south of the Lynnfield Tunnel.

The suspect was taken by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital, state police said.

Police say the pursuit happened after they received a call for an erratic driver on Main Street who was headed to Lowell Street. When Peabody Police tried pulling over the car, the driver did not stop and instead headed toward 128 southbound, where he hit a curb and flattened two of his tires.

The suspect then drove to Route 1 southbound when he lost control of the vehicle, striking a pole and the guard rail. The driver then became trapped in his car after his side of the car hit the guardrail. The car then caught on fire, but a dealership brought over fire extinguishers and were able to put out the flames.

The driver was flown to a Boston hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and burns to his feet.

Police have not identified the driver, at this time only saying he is a 44-year-old man from Peabody. Thye also added that, at no time during the pursuit did speeds exceed posted limits. Charges to the driver are unknown at this time.

Peabody Police are handling the charges against the suspect while state police are investigating the crash.

This is a developing incident. Check back for updates.

Cox Media Group