The town of Plainville, Massachusetts was rocked by tragedy when an Oxford man stole a car from a Kenny Chesney concert at Gillette Stadium, leading to a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 10-year-old child. The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m., has left the community reeling and seeking answers.
According to Massachusetts State Police records, Michael Escolas, 42, of Oxford, was arrested at the scene for suspected driving under the influence. Escolas was driving a stolen 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee at a high rate of speed when he rear-ended a Nissan Altima that was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Route 1 and Interstate 495. The Nissan was carrying a family of six, including a mom, dad, and their four children. Tragically, one of the children, a 10-year-old, lost their life in the crash. The other five family members sustained serious injuries and were rushed to area hospitals for treatment.
In addition to the Nissan and the stolen Jeep, three other cars were involved in the crash and suffered damage. The State Police deployed personnel from the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section (CARS), Crime Scene Services Section (CSSS), and Norfolk County Detective Unit to investigate the scene and piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident.
Michael Escolas remains in police custody at an area hospital, where he is being held for suspected driving under the influence. The circumstances surrounding the theft of the car from the Kenny Chesney concert and the subsequent crash are still under investigation by the Norfolk County Detective Unit. The community is left grappling with the senseless loss of a young life and the devastating impact of the events that unfolded that fateful evening.
As the investigation continues, the town of Plainville mourns the loss of the 10-year-old child and offers support to the grieving family and those injured in the crash. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating consequences that can result from reckless actions behind the wheel. The community comes together in solidarity, seeking justice for the victims and hoping for healing in the wake of this heartbreaking event.