AUBURN, Mass. (Aug. 13, 2025) — Auburn Fire Rescue used a drone to help state police locate two people who fled into the woods after a two-car crash on the Massachusetts Turnpike late Wednesday, officials said.

Crews were dispatched just before 10 p.m. to the eastbound off-ramp, where one vehicle had rolled over. That car was already the subject of a “be on the lookout” alert by state police.

Two occupants of the overturned car ran from the scene on foot. Firefighter and drone pilot Chris Trainor launched the department’s drone within minutes and, using thermal imaging, directed troopers to their location. Both were found severely injured, with one unresponsive.

The patients were treated and transported to UMass Medical Center by Auburn Fire Rescue ambulance.

Mutual aid ambulances from Charlton Fire Department and Worcester EMS assisted with three other occupants who suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries.