Franklin Man Charged in Fatal DUI Crash

A 5-year-old girl was killed and her mother and brother critically injured when their family's car was struck by a pickup truck driven by 21-year-old James N. Blanchard in Franklin, Massachusetts, as they were on their way to celebrate the son's birthday. The girl's father, who was driving, was treated and released from the hospital. Prosecutors allege Blanchard was driving on the wrong side of the road, had a blood alcohol level of 0.19—over twice the legal limit—and possessed open containers of alcohol in his vehicle. Blanchard faces charges including motor vehicle homicide while drunk, three counts of operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury, and negligent operation, and he pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Wrentham District Court. Bail was reported as $250,000 in some sources and $500,000 in others, with the next hearing scheduled for June 24. Investigators are examining surveillance footage from local businesses as part of their ongoing inquiry.