Published January 15, 2021

MELROSE — At midweek, authorities hadn’t released the name of the 21-year-old Stoneham woman killed late Saturday night, Jan. 9 after her SUV crossed lanes on Franklin Street, sheared a utility pole in half and struck a tree.

The woman was traveling west on Franklin Street just before the intersection with Vinton Street around 11 p.m. when her 2018 Honda CRV crossed the yellow line, struck a pole and then a tree. The vehicle reportedly caught fire. 

The woman was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

State Police and the Melrose Police Department’s Traffic Division are investigating the cause of the fatal accident.