Igor Costa, Ryan Almieda Obituary, Death – A tragic accident in Massachusetts claimed the lives of three workers early Friday morning as they were repairing damaged guardrails along Interstate 91 in West Springfield. Authorities have since arrested and charged the driver involved in the fatal crash.
Incident Details
According to Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni, the crash occurred around 12:45 a.m. The victims—two from Brockton and one from Marlborough—were working along the highway when a 2021 Jeep Cherokee exited the roadway at a high speed. The vehicle struck all three men before rolling over.
When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they discovered that the driver had fled the vehicle and left the area on foot.
Search and Arrest
Massachusetts State Police and West Springfield Police immediately launched a search for the suspect. The operation involved law enforcement officers, K9 units, and aerial assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing.
A sergeant from the Massachusetts State Police Unit assigned to the district attorney’s office eventually spotted the suspect. After a brief verbal exchange, the man attempted to flee again, leading officers on a chase that spanned over half a mile. Authorities finally caught and arrested him near Morgan Road in West Springfield.
Suspect Identified and Charges Filed
The driver has been identified as Bilal Griffith of West Springfield. He now faces multiple charges, including three counts of manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in personal injury and death.
Victims Identified
The three men who lost their lives in the crash were identified as:
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Igor Costa, 26, of Marlborough
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Ryan Almeida, 48, of Brockton
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Raul Bohorquez, 57, of Brockton
Their deaths mark a devastating loss for their families and colleagues.
MassDOT Responds to the Incident
In a statement, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) expressed condolences and clarified the nature of the work being performed.
“We are deeply saddened by the fatal crash on I-91 involving an accident recovery contractor working under a permit,” the statement read. “The crash was not at a MassDOT worksite and did not involve any MassDOT staff.”
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. More details may emerge as the legal process unfolds.
