A 15-year-old bicyclist was killed Tuesday afternoon in Franklin after being struck by a motor vehicle near King Street and the Interstate 495 northbound off-ramp, police said. First responders performed life-saving measures at the scene before the teen was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The vehicle operator remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, and the collision has left the community shaken as town and state agencies continued work at the site.
According to Boston 25, police received multiple 911 calls reporting the crash at about 3:20 p.m. The outlet reports that emergency crews transported the juvenile to the hospital and that the Franklin Police Department extended its deepest condolences to the victim’s family. Boston 25 also notes that the crash is under active investigation and that officials have not released the bicyclist’s name.
Scene and Timeline
Local television crews earlier described the collision as occurring around 3:30 p.m. in the same area off the I-495 ramp and reported that traffic was being diverted while crews worked the scene. WHDH said the rider was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries before later updates indicated the rider died. Investigators have not released further details about how the crash unfolded.
Regional Bike Safety
The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Vision Zero Action Plan highlights that bicyclists and other vulnerable road users are disproportionately represented in fatal and serious-injury crashes across the region. Boston Region MPO materials call for engineering fixes like protected bike lanes and intersection improvements to reduce those risks, particularly on high-speed arterials and ramp approaches. Local advocates say the King Street and I-495 interchange is the sort of location where such changes can make a difference.
Investigation and Tips
Franklin police confirm the crash remains under investigation and have not released the victim’s identity or other case details, as reported by Boston 25. The Franklin Police Department's public information page lists a TIPS hotline for residents with information about local incidents. Franklin Police say they are coordinating with investigators as they interview witnesses and review evidence, and officials have not said whether charges will be filed.
