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2 killed, 4 injured after van rolls over on I-495

By Mark Lorenz and John R. Ellement Globe Correspondent and Globe Staff,September 8, 2016, 10:21 a.m.

MERRIMAC — Two men were killed and four men injured when a van crashed into the median and rolled over on Interstate 495 in Merrimac Thursday, spewing tools, ladders, and nails across the road, State Police said.

One of the six men in the van was pronounced dead on the scene, and another was taken to Lawrence General Hospital, where he later died. The first victim was apparently ejected from the van.

State Police requested multiple ambulances to respond to the crash, which was reported at 6:55 a.m. The four other men inside the van were seriously injured; two were transported to Anna Jacques Hospital, a third was taken to Merrimac Valley Hospital, and the fourth was rushed to Lawrence General, according to State Police.

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Two northbound left lanes were closed near Exit 53, the Broad Street interchange, for about two hours while investigators worked, according to MassDOT and State Police.

The six men were riding in a white 2004 Ford Econoline van when for reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control and crashed into the median. One possible cause being explored is whether one of the van’s tires blew out just before the crash, State Police said.

The van had a commercial license plate and apparently was being used by a contractor heading to a job site. As it rolled over, ladders, a saw, a power drill and what appeared to be roofing nails were thrown from the vehicle and onto the highway.

The names of the victims were not released pending notification of next of kin.

More pictures from the scene:

Debris was scattered over the highway after a van carrying six passengers rolled over on Interstate 495 Thursday near Exit 53. At least one person was killed in the crash. Mark Lorenz for The Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

John R. Ellement can be reached at ellement@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @JREbosglobe.

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