Taunton – A tragic accident claimed the life of a local resident on Monday night after his vehicle entered the Three Mile River. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office identified the victim as 24‑year‑old Alec Ardita of Taunton.
Sequence of events
According to officials, a 911 call was placed at approximately 10:15 p.m. reporting a vehicle traveling at high speed. Investigators say the car struck a utility pole and the adjacent guardrail before leaving the roadway near 396 Winthrop Street, a location that runs alongside the Three Mile River.
First‑responders from the Taunton Police Department, fire services, and a dive team arrived quickly. NBC 10 news crews observed the scene, noting rescue personnel working over a bridge that crosses the river. A large tow truck was also dispatched to the site.
Recovery efforts
Authorities lifted the Nissan Maxima from the water after it became fully submerged. The vehicle was described as “round” with Ardita inside at the time of recovery. While the investigation confirmed Ardita’s death, officials indicated that a second person may have been in the car, though no additional occupants have been identified.
Rising water conditions forced the dive team to suspend the search for a possible second victim until daylight, prioritizing the safety of rescuers.
Ongoing investigation
The incident remains under investigation by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. No further details about the cause of the crash or any potential charges have been released at this time.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets for updates as the investigation progresses.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
