One Dead, One Charged In Springfield Crash

SPRINGFIELD (CBS) --- One person is dead and another in custody after an early morning crash on Route 291.

After 1 a.m. Sunday, Troopers from the State Police Barracks in Springfield responded to the report of a crash near Exit 4 in Springfield.

According to State Police, a 2011 Nissan Altima collided with a tractor-trailer unit which was stopped in the breakdown lane prior to the crash. The passenger in the Nissan Altima, Moti Kuikel, 25, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Altima has been identified as Rudra P. Kafley, 22, of West Springfield. Kafley was transported to Baystate Hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. Kafley has been charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving and marked lanes violation.

Police believe the driver of the tractor-trailer stopped in the breakdown lane to investigate a mechanical issue. He was outside the tractor-trailer at the time of the crash and was not hurt.