PALMER, Hampden County, Mass., Oct. 31, 2026 — One person suffered serious injuries in a two-car crash on Wednesday afternoon, October 28, on Route 20 in Palmer.
The Palmer Police Department said multiple 911 calls came in around 3:51 p.m. reporting a crash on Wilbraham Street near Asylum Fitness. Responding crews found one driver trapped inside a vehicle, according to police.
Members of the Palmer Fire Department worked to free the trapped driver, who was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. That driver is expected to recover, police said. A preliminary investigation indicated one vehicle rear-ended a second vehicle that was attempting to turn; the driver of that second vehicle reportedly suffered possible minor injuries.
Route 20 was closed for nearly an hour while crews cleared the scene and has since reopened. Police noted this was the second crash reported in roughly the same location on Wednesday. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Palmer, MA
This crash happened on Route 20 in Palmer, MA. We cover crashes across Hampden County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Hampden County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries typically result from two-car crashes like this one?
Rear-end and turning crashes commonly cause whiplash, head and neck injuries, broken bones, and in more serious cases, injuries that require extrication and hospitalization, as seen in this crash.
What usually causes crashes involving a vehicle attempting to turn?
These crashes are frequently caused by following too closely, distracted driving, or a driver misjudging the time needed to stop when another vehicle slows to turn.
Does speed make a difference in how serious a crash turns out to be?
Yes. Higher speeds reduce the time a driver has to react and increase the force of impact, which can turn a minor collision into one with serious injuries.
Why is distracted driving considered a major risk on roads like this?
A driver who looks away from the road for even a few seconds may not notice traffic slowing or turning ahead, which can lead to rear-end collisions like the one reported here.
