Massachusetts Daily Collegian

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

Massachusetts Daily Collegian

A free and responsible press serving the UMass community since 1890

Massachusetts Daily Collegian

UMass Lowell student in fair condition

A University of Massachusetts Lowell student who was left seriously injured after a truck struck her on campus has had her condition upgraded to fair.

Rachael Carnes, a 21-year-old senior from Haverhill, was sitting on a bench waiting for a bus on University Avenue when a delivery truck jumped a curb, hit two lamp posts, and then ran into her.

The truck rolled up over a stone wall before finally coming to a stop.

She was rushed to Boston Medical Center in critical condition. Since then, she has been upgraded to fair, according to the Lowell Police Department.

The driver, Jeffrey Hoban, 25, of Dracut, told police he did not know what happened. He was conscious after the crash.

A campus police officer reported seeing Hoban slumped on the driver’s side of the truck moments before the crash.

Investigators are still trying to determine if there were any medical conditions that might have caused the crash. They say alcohol was not a factor.

Hoban was treated at a local hospital and released.

No charges have been filed at this point.

“The reaction around campus was shock, especially to those that know her and those who witnessed the incident,” said Larry Siegel, dean of students at UMass Lowell. “She has a great group of friends who have been wonderful in supporting her and her family.”

According to Dean Siegel, he and others, including Chancellor Meehan, “have been in touch with her family regularly to get updates and assure them of our support and concern.”

According to University officials, they “are going to address her academic and financial issues for this semester, including retroactive withdrawals and refunds, if necessary, and make plans for her return and continued academic progress and success.”

Erik Taber can be reached at [email protected].

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