Driver seriously injured in accident, Dresser Hill Rd (Rt. 31)

UPDATE: March 19, 11 a.m.

The Dudley Police Department is releasing the name of the driver in the previously reported accident on Dresser Hill Road, text below.  He is Mr. Terry J. Penkala, age 28, of 34 Chase Avenue in Dudley.  He is currently receiving treatment at UMass Medical Center in Worcester and he is in stable condition at this time.  The accident remains under investigation by Dudley and Massachusetts State Police.

On Friday, March 16th at approximately 3:10 am, Dudley Police as well as Dudley Fire and Emergency Services personnel were dispatched to a single car motor vehicle accident on Dresser Hill Road (Route 31).  The accident occurred approximately ½ mile south of the Charlton town line.  Upon arrival, officers discovered a 2001 Ford Taurus off the northbound side of the road.  The vehicle appeared to have been traveling in a southerly direction and left the roadway at a curve.  It struck a tree and later caught on fire.  A passerby assisted the driver out of the vehicle.  The male operator, whose name is withheld at this point due to family notification, suffered serious injuries.  He was treated by the responding officers and Dudley Emergency Services personnel.  He was later transported to UMass Hospital in Worcester.  Life Flight helicopter services were requested, however, they were unable to fly due to weather conditions.  The driver is in surgery this morning.  The cause of the accident is under investigation at this point by Dudley Sergeant Paul Ceppetelli and Officer Arthur Ferreira, as well as members of the Massachusetts State Police and District Attorney Joseph Early’s Office.