News Holbrook MA: Driver Charged After Fiery Crash on South Franklin Street
News holbrook ma Chief David Del Papa announced that the Holbrook Police Department has filed several charges against a driver involved in a destructive crash on Saturday evening that resulted in a vehicle fire and significant damage in the center of town. The incident is now a major highlight in news Holbrook MA due to its severity and dramatic rescue.
On Saturday, Nov. 8, at around 5:45 p.m., Holbrook Police and Fire units rushed to South Franklin Street, near the intersection of Holbrook Square, after receiving reports of a car accident involving fire.
When emergency crews arrived, officers found three vehicles smashed, scattered across the sidewalk and a nearby parking area. Two of the vehicles—an SUV and a sedan—were parked and unoccupied. The third vehicle, a white pickup truck, was actively burning, with the driver trapped inside while a nearby citizen attempted to slow the flames with a fire extinguisher.
Officer Jonathan O’Brien was first on scene and immediately recognized the danger as the flames spread rapidly. He instructed witnesses to move to safety before approaching the burning pickup. From the passenger side, Officer O’Brien saw that the driver had suffered an apparent leg injury and was unable to escape. Without hesitation, he climbed into the vehicle, freed the driver, and pulled him out just moments before the pickup was completely consumed by fire.
The operator of the truck was identified as DOUGLAS SILVA SOARES, 26, of Abington.
According to preliminary findings, SOARES had been traveling north on South Franklin Street at an excessive speed, crossed over the center line, and collided head-on with the parked vehicles. The force of the impact caused major damage and ignited the pickup truck.
Holbrook firefighters arrived shortly after and battled the intense blaze for nearly 40 minutes before bringing it under control.
Officer O’Brien underwent medical evaluation after breathing in fumes and exposure to fire extinguisher chemical residue. SOARES was transported by ambulance to South Shore Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
Following an on-scene investigation, SOARES is being charged with:
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Leaving the Scene of Property Damage
- Marked Lanes Violation
- Speeding Above the Posted Limit
Because the driver is still receiving hospital care, he will be summonsed to Quincy District Court at a later date. This case continues to gain attention in news Holbrook MA updates as officials review the circumstances News holbrook ma.
The collision caused extensive destruction to the vehicles involved, damaged several street signs, and tore up property in front of 16 South Franklin Street. The roadway remained shut down for an extended period while crews extinguished the flames, removed debris, and towed the wrecked vehicles.
Assistance at the scene was provided by officers from Randolph, Abington, and Braintree.
The Holbrook Police Department continues to investigate the incident, which has become a significant topic in news Holbrook MA due to the severity of the crash and the life-saving efforts of Officer O’Brien.


