Worcester

Vigil Held for Teen Killed, 4 Others Hurt in Stolen SUV Crash in Worcester

Families of the teenagers have questioned the version of events provided by police, saying there's surveillance video of a police chase before the crash and that officers turned around after the accident

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Dozens gathered for a vigil Saturday to honor the teenage girl who died last week when a stolen SUV she was in with four other teenagers crashed in Worcester.

A memorial to the children has sprung up at the intersection where the crash took place, Main and Chandler streets, a week ago. The people at the vigil offered prayers for all the teenagers.

"We are here for love, hope and to remind them that we are here to support them during this difficult time," said Latoya Lewis, who helped organize the vigil.

Makaliah Browne brought her son: "They go back to school in a few weeks and it's a life-changing event for all of them, and they're kids."

Police have said that the SUV, its headlights off, ran a red light and smashed into two cars, pushing them into a utility pole. All of the teenagers inside the SUV had serious injuries and three were thrown from the crash, while the girl who died, who was in the front passenger seat, was killed.

A memorial for five teenagers involved in a crash in Worcester last week. One died.
NBC10 Boston
A memorial for five teenagers involved in a crash in Worcester last week. One died.

The girl who died was laid to rest earlier Saturday, and a number of the other teens remained in the hospital with serious injuries.

"It's important that we offer our support and prayers to the families to the children who are involved," Mayor Joseph Petty said at the vigil.

Families of the teenagers have questioned the version of events provided by police, saying there's surveillance video of a police chase before the crash and that officers turned around after the accident.

This week, police held a news conference to clarify their understanding of what happened. While officers did see the vehicle driving erratically, they declined to pursue it, officials said, and officers were not delayed getting the scene.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Main Street and Chandler Street in Worcester, police said.

Family members were expected to meet privately with police. Two who came to the press conference Wednesday said they're prepared to wait for answers

The occupants of the Honda Accord and Chevy Impala weren't seriously injured from the accident, police have said.

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