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September 14, 2007

Driver charged after man struck, killed changing flat

SOMERSET, Mass. -- A Somerset man is being charged this morning in connection with a car accident yesterday afternoon that killed 35-year old Sergio M. DaSilva, of Fall River, who was struck as he changed a flat tire.

At about 2:30 p.m., DaSilva was changing a tire on a trailer belonging to his employer, Century Paving, on Riverside Avenue in front of Somerset Marina, Police Chief Joseph Ferreira said today in a news release. DaSilva had parked in the breakdown lane, disconnecting the trailer from a truck and placing two orange safety cones behind it.

A car driven by Shain Vandal, 18, of 195 Grant Ave., struck the trailer and then DaSilva, who was in the roadway near the breakdown lane, Chief Ferreira said.

DaSilva was taken by ambulance to North Elementary School, where he was airlifted to the trauma unit at Rhode Island Hospital. The police said he was pronounced dead at about 3:55 p.m.

An off-duty Somerset Police Department reserve officer was driving behind Vandal and witnessed the accident. A preliminary investigation has ruled out alcohol and excessive speed. Vandal was reportedly putting a CD in his car’s audio player when he swerved and crashed into the trailer and DaSilva, Ferreira said.

Vandal was charged with operating a car negligently, with death resulting, a felony. He was also cited for failing to travel inside marked lanes.

A 15-year old passenger in Vandal’s car was not injured.

DaSilva’s wife gave birth to the couple’s first child two weeks ago, the police said.

-- Journal staff writer Meaghan Wims

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 11:47 AM | Permalink

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