LEICESTER, Vt. — A devastating head-on collision along U.S. Route 7 in Leicester on Sunday afternoon has claimed the life of one person and left three others seriously injured, according to the Vermont State Police. The tragic crash occurred near Cram Road shortly after 1 p.m., prompting an extensive emergency response from state troopers, firefighters, and paramedics.
Authorities say the crash involved a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer and a 2007 Pontiac G6. When first responders arrived, they found both vehicles heavily damaged, with the Chevrolet fully engulfed in flames and multiple occupants trapped inside. Witnesses at the scene rushed to help before emergency crews arrived, pulling victims from the burning vehicle and performing CPR in an effort to save lives.
Despite their heroic actions, one passenger in the Chevrolet, identified as 50-year-old Gillian Gero, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet and another passenger sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. The driver and passenger of the Pontiac were also hospitalized, with one of them reportedly suffering life-threatening injuries.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that the Pontiac, which was traveling southbound, crossed the center line for unknown reasons and slammed into the northbound Chevrolet head-on. The force of the collision pushed the Chevrolet over a guardrail, causing it to crash down an embankment and catch fire shortly after impact. Troopers say speed may have been a contributing factor, but the full cause remains under investigation.
The Vermont State Police Crash Reconstruction Team spent several hours at the site, documenting evidence and examining roadway conditions. The section of Route 7 where the crash occurred was temporarily closed to traffic while crews cleared debris and towed the vehicles away. Officials have urged anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage to contact the New Haven Barracks at (802) 388-4919.
The death of Gillian Gero has left the community heartbroken. Residents described the crash as one of the most severe in recent memory and praised the bystanders who risked their own safety to help others. As investigators work to determine what caused the Pontiac to cross into oncoming traffic, authorities are once again reminding drivers to reduce speed, stay alert, and remain vigilant on rural roadways.