3 highway workers dead after they were hit by SUV traveling at 'very high rate of speed'

A 29-year-old man from Massachusetts, Balil Griffith, was arraigned on charges related to a tragic crash that claimed the lives of three workers on Interstate 91. The accident occurred early Friday morning at approximately 12:45 a.m. when Griffith, driving an SUV, exited the interstate at a high speed, colliding with the men who were repairing guardrails for Premier Fencing Company.

Following the crash, which caused the SUV to flip and come to rest on the exit ramp, Griffith reportedly fled the scene on foot. Authorities conducted a search, utilizing both ground and aerial resources, which ultimately led to a chase and his apprehension near Morgan Road in West Springfield.

The three victims, Igor Costa, Ryan Almeida, and Raul Bohorquez, all employed by Premier Fencing Company, were tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Their deaths have drawn significant attention, and the company has expressed its commitment to cooperating with ongoing investigations.

Griffith faces serious charges, including three counts of manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injury or death. During his arraignment in Springfield District Court, he was held on a $1 million bail, with a subsequent court date set for April 2.

The investigation into the incident continues, involving the district attorney's office, the West Springfield Police Department, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as they work to uncover further details about this devastating event.