Coronavirus: Courier Carrying Samples Involved In Seekonk Crash

SEEKONK, MA — A set of coronavirus samples appear to have been spared during a morning crash on I-195 in Seekonk near the Rhode Island border Tuesday morning. CBS Boston reported that a courier transporting the samples was involved in the crash, but that State Police said the samples were not damaged.

A Honda Civic that included the samples bumped a tractor-trailer on I-195 westbound during the morning commute near Exit 1. The Honda then hit an ambulance and spun out. A hazardous materials team was called to the scene, but it was determined the samples were not compromised.

Three lanes were closed for the cleanup and the road was reopened later Tuesday morning.

State Police told CBS Boston that the driver of the Civic, a 49-year-old woman from Coventry, RI, was taken to the hospital as a precaution. A replacement courier was called to bring the samples to Lifespan in Rhode Island. A Lifespan spokesman confirmed to CBS Boston that the samples' seals were not broken and there was no risk to the driver or first responders.

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