SWANSEA — On Friday, June 19, 2026, at approximately 5:49 p.m., Swansea police and firefighters were dispatched to 278 Wilbur Avenue following a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a residence.
According to Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley and Fire Chief Eric Hajder, a preliminary investigation determined that a driver was attempting to turn into a driveway and slowed down abruptly before his vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle.
The impact caused the first vehicle to leave the roadway and strike the home, damaging the exterior of the residence near a natural gas meter.
The crash caused a gas leak at the Wilbur Avenue property, prompting Swansea police and firefighters to call Liberty Utilities to the scene. The Swansea Building Inspector also responded to assess the property.
As a precaution, neighboring homes at 270 and 290 Wilbur Avenue were temporarily evacuated while crews worked to secure the area, Police Chief Foley and Fire Chief Hajder reported.
Within a few hours, the gas leak was repaired and the scene was deemed safe. Liberty Utilities, Swansea police, and Swansea firefighters cleared the scene at approximately 8:30 p.m.
No injuries were reported. Both vehicles sustained minor damage, and no criminal charges are being filed.
“We are grateful that no one was injured and appreciate the cooperation of all those involved while first responders and utility crews worked to ensure the area was safe,” Police Chief Foley said.
“This incident had the potential to become much more serious, and we commend the quick actions of our firefighters, police officers, and Liberty Utilities personnel in securing the gas leak and protecting nearby residents,” Fire Chief Hajder said.
Current Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux, who is a former mayor of Attleboro, notes that, “During my time as mayor, concerns about reckless driving were among the complaints I received from constituents, along with concerns about safely walking down the street or trying to cross the road. Children waiting for the school bus were also a reason for concern.” He continued, “I would frequently explain to constituents that there are no quick fixes and that there are three levels of intervention — education, enforcement, and engineering. They are the three ‘Es’ of resolving traffic related issues. Education is better signs. Enforcement is local police enforcing current laws. And engineering is different traffic circles or speed humps in a roadway. Each of these has a place in making for safer roads.”
