HANOVER — Hanover officials praised first responders, neighboring departments and community members who helped rescue passengers during a recent van rollover crash.
Police Chief Tim Kane told the Select Board that the accident, which involved a van carrying residents from Cardinal Cushing Centers, could have been far worse.
“It was one of those calls that go out there that you automatically think could be pretty bad just by what was reported,” Kane said.
Kane said multiple 911 calls reported a van that had overturned, prompting a large emergency response. Despite initial concerns, injuries were minor.
“The response by not just the police department and the incredible response by the fire department, but also the communities that surround us when they were contacted provided mutual aid to us was really instrumental in carrying that out as safely as possible,” Kane said.
Kane credited bystanders for stepping in before police and fire arrived.
“I counted no less than eight individuals who had stopped to provide some level of assistance, which included forcing entry through a windshield to help extract some of the individuals that were located in that van,” Kane said. “There were neighbors, passersby, but also an off-duty state trooper.”
Firefighters coordinated what Kane described as a mass casualty incident, supported by mutual aid from eight fire departments and nine ambulances.
He also noted the role of roadwork in the area, which allowed responders to shut down nearby streets quickly.
“Definitely one of those calls that could have gone sideways really, really fast,” Kane said.