Woman Killed in Fiery Crash on I-495 in Andover, MA

Andover, MA (July 16, 2026) – A woman lost her life after a vehicle left Interstate 495 and caught fire in Andover on Wednesday night, July 15.

Emergency units arrived around 11:30 p.m. along the northbound lanes. They found a 2013 Chrysler Town and Country carrying two adults and three children.

A 25-year-old Lawrence woman who was riding as a passenger was pronounced dead. Her name has not been released.

Responders transported the driver to a Boston hospital with serious injuries. The three children also went to a Boston hospital, though the extent of their injuries remains unknown. The driver of a second vehicle involved was not hurt.

The Massachusetts State Police continue to investigate what caused the collision.

Our sincere condolences go out to the woman’s family and everyone mourning her loss.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Andover, MA?

In Andover and throughout Massachusetts, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. This representative, usually an executor or administrator, brings the case for eligible family members who may receive compensation.

As the estate process begins, a will identifies the person who should serve as the estate representative. When no valid will exists, a probate court appoints someone to manage the estate and make decisions concerning the wrongful death case.

Rather than filing separate cases, eligible relatives generally seek compensation through one claim. Recoverable losses may include funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of care, guidance, protection, companionship, and other benefits the person provided.

Across the Andover region, Interstate 495 carries fast-moving commuter traffic near Interstate 93 and the Route 133 exits. Because a vehicle fire can destroy valuable evidence quickly, documenting vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and witness accounts early may become especially important.

Under Massachusetts law, families generally have three years to file a wrongful death action. However, the exact deadline may depend on when the estate representative discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the factual basis for the claim.

Beyond that, calculating a claim’s value requires careful documentation. Lost wages, household contributions, medical expenses incurred before death, and the family’s loss of companionship may all influence compensation, depending on the circumstances and available evidence.

During an already difficult time, handling probate documents, insurance demands, and funeral arrangements can overwhelm a grieving family. A Massachusetts wrongful death lawyer can manage filings, communicate with insurers, and preserve evidence while relatives focus on supporting one another.

Our team at Fiorentino Legal, P.C. helps families understand how wrongful death claims work and who has the legal right to file. We can also outline the estate paperwork, filing deadlines, and records commonly involved in the process.

If you have questions after a fatal car crash in Andover, contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. at (617) 990-2568. We can review what happened and explain the legal options available to your family.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.