WESTFIELD – Route 20 Springfield Road near the West Springfield line was the scene Friday evening of two separate but related accidents around 7:45 p.m. that sent two Westfield police officers to area hospitals.
Police reported through a press release that the first accident that occurred involved a police vehicle attempting to stop another vehicle, and the second accident involved a Westfield officer being struck after getting out of his vehicle when he went to direct traffic for the first accident.
According to the press release, the first accident occurred when the police vehicle pulled into the roadway to go and make a motor vehicle stop and a vehicle traveling eastbound on Springfield Road collided with the police vehicle. Police reported in the press release that both operators were injured and the officer, Michael Gibbons, was transported to Baystate Noble Hospital “as a precaution,” while the operator from the other vehicle refused medical treatment at the scene. Both vehicles were also towed from the scene.
Also in the press release, it was reported that another officer, Zachary Demers, “was struck by a westbound vehicle on Springfield Rd. when he exited his cruiser and was making his way to direct traffic for the initial accident.”
According to the press release, Demers was transported to Baystate Medical Center for treatment, while the operator of the vehicle that reportedly struck him was uninjured.
Police reported that both accidents are currently under investigation.
Last updated information received Sept. 4, 9:20 a.m.
