In a heart-wrenching incident, a 10-year-old child has lost their life after a suspect stole a vehicle and crashed into another car on Route 495 in Plainville. The devastating accident occurred on Saturday night when Michael Escolas, a 42-year-old resident of Oxford, allegedly stole a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee from a parking lot at Gillette Stadium.

According to state police, Escolas was driving at an excessively high speed when he collided with a Nissan Altima that was stopped at a red light near the intersection of Route 1 and Interstate 495. Inside the Nissan were a family of six, including the mother, father, and their four children. All occupants of the car were transported to the hospital with serious injuries, but tragically, the 10-year-old child succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead.

Sources have revealed that only one child in the Nissan was properly secured in a car seat at the time of the accident. The crash resulted in damage to four other vehicles in addition to the Nissan and the stolen Jeep.

The response to this harrowing scene involved multiple partner agencies, with the chaotic aftermath requiring the evacuation of seven people to area hospitals. District Attorney Morrissey expressed gratitude to all those who swiftly responded and offered his sincere condolences to the grieving family who lost their beloved son.

State Police, who were present at the Kenny Chesney concert held at Gillette Stadium, were quick to respond to the incident. Stacey James, the spokesperson for Gillette Stadium, expressed deep sadness and extended sympathies to the family affected by this tragic loss. The Massachusetts State Police, under the jurisdiction of the Norfolk District Attorney's Office, will be conducting the investigation.

Michael Escolas was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence and remains in custody, but due to his injuries, he is currently receiving medical treatment at an area hospital. He is expected to face charges of motor vehicle manslaughter, OUI (Operating Under the Influence), larceny of a motor vehicle, and other related charges. Escolas is scheduled to be arraigned in Wrentham District Court on Monday, with his bail set at $25,000 cash.

The specific circumstances leading to the crash are still under investigation, as authorities actively assess all available evidence. Route 1 southbound at Route 495, along with the I-495 exits onto Route 1 north and south, were temporarily closed to facilitate the investigation by first responders.

Due to the tender age of the deceased child, state police have refrained from releasing their identity at this time. As the investigation progresses, updates on this developing story will be provided.