Cranston Police continue to investigate a fiery fatal car crash on Pontiac Avenue

Cranston – On Saturday September 17, 2016 shortly before 1:30 AM the Cranston Police received several 9-1-1 calls about a motor vehicle crash in the area of 550 Pontiac Avenue, in which it was on fire. The vehicle involved in the crash was later identified as a 2004 GMC Envoy, color red. The GMC Envoy was traveling northbound on Pontiac Avenue in which initial evidence suggests it left the roadway at the curve in front of 550 Pontiac Ave. The vehicle then struck a traffic control signal pole as well as a cement block wall. Evidence suggests the vehicle then caught fire completely consuming the vehicle and what traffic investigators believe at this time was a single occupant. Officers on scene were unable to get close to the vehicle due to the intense heat, extreme temperature and flames, which were followed by small explosions. The Cranston Fire Department responded and extinguished the vehicle. The investigation into the identity of the deceased occupant is still under investigation and the positive identification will remain unknown pending an autopsy and investigation by the Rhode Island Medical Examiner.
“Preliminary investigation shows that the 2004 GMC Envoy was travelling north on Pontiac Avenue at a high rate of speed well in excess of 90 mph when it failed to negotiate the curve and crashed. This is a very difficult and tragic incident handled by our first responding officers and investigators. We express our deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased occupant,” said Major Todd Patalano.
The accident is currently under investigation by members of the Cranston Police Accident Reconstructionist Unit, Cranston Police Detectives, Cranston Police Bureau of Criminal Identification, Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Rhode Island State Medical Examiner’s Office.
If anyone has information please contact the Cranston Police Department Sergeant Brian D’Amico at (401) 942-2211.