Southbridge PD: Speeding SUV slammed into building before plunging into river

SOUTHBRIDGE - The driver of a sport utility vehicle that slammed into a building and plunged into McKinstry Brook off River Street is hospitalized in critical condition, according to police.

Authorities said the initial investigation indicates the motorist might have had a medical emergency in the moments before the crash. The 34-year-old Southbridge residents was unconscious, at the edge of the river, when rescuers arrived.

The scene unfolded about 1:30 p.m. Monday. Southbridge police gave the following account:

The fast-moving SUV was traveling south on Pleasant Street and sped through the intersection at River and Walcott streets before crashing into the building of the Arvelo Martial Arts Academy, 179 River St. The vehicle went through a section of the building - empty at the time - and into the adjacent river. The river is down an embankment behind the building. The SUV burst into flames.

The martial arts studio is in a converted garage bay.

"There were no visible skid marks or any other evidence that the operator of the vehicle attempted to use his brakes indicating that the driver may have been experiencing a medical emergency," police said.

The driver was rushed to UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus in Worcester.

Southbridge and state police are continuing to investigate.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Southbridge PD: Speeding SUV slammed into building before plunging into river