Women killed in I-91 crash identified

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Two women were killed early Friday morning when their pickup truck rolled over on I-91 northbound in Northampton near Exit 19.

According to a news release sent to 22News by State Police Media Relations, the victims have been identified as Gwen Pearsall, 49, of Deering, New Hampshire, and Arlene Krilovich, 66, of Hillsborough, New Hampshire.

A truck driver who witnessed the crash told state police that around 2:30 A.M., the women passed him in their 1999 Ford Pickup. After passing the truck, the driver apparently lost control, striking the left-lane guardrail and flipping end-over-end. Both women died at the crash site.

The roads were icy at the time of the crash, and state police say that the road conditions, as well as speed, may have caused the accident. State Police are still investigating.

Bridges and overpasses in the area were icy Friday morning, including areas of I-91 and I-391.   Trooper Jarred Tiberi told 22News that 1-91 between Holyoke and Northampton was a particularly bad spot overnight for accidents.

In Agawam, police reported that highway overpasses east and westbound over Route 57 were frozen solid overnight and motorists were being advised to use caution.

State highway crews were out overnight salting and sanding highways.