Alaska Driver Killed When Piece Of Metal Flies Off Truck Into Car Windshield On Route 95 In Danvers

DANVERS (CBS) -- A piece of metal that came off a dump truck on Route 95 in Danvers Friday morning went through a car windshield, killing the driver inside. The driver of the truck did not stop initially, but later identified himself to police.

Police identified the victim as 69-year-old Thomas Arrington of Palmer, Alaska. He and his 68-year-old wife, who was in the passenger's seat, had arrived in Massachusetts earlier in the day for a vacation and rented the 2020 Ford Fusion.

Arrington's daughter Jennifer Hoadley said her dad was always involved and "was just very full of life."

The couple was hoping to travel around New England. "My mom had never been to New England and they wanted to get all 50 states so they were going to do a three-week road trip," Hoadley said.

The incident happened just after 8 a.m. on the northbound side of the highway, near Exit 67B. A large piece of metal could be seen on the side of the road.

"My mom, my poor mother three feet away, walked away without a scratch," Hoadley said.

Police said the piece of metal that pierced the windshield was a concrete screed, which is used to level and smooth freshly poured concrete.

The 21-year-old driver of the dump truck, who works for a Lynn construction company, identified himself to State Police and is cooperating. Police said an investigation is underway and any possible charges have yet to be determined.

"I wish that driver had done a better walk around of his vehicle," Hoadley said. "I feel like there was a piece of neglect that led to my father's death, but I also know that person is going to have to live their whole life with that."

The incident closed two left lanes and backed up traffic. All lanes reopened and the scene was cleared shortly after 10 a.m.