Overview
- A high-speed collision on Route 28 late Saturday night left a Honda HR‑V stopped at a red light engulfed in flames and killed its two occupants despite rescue attempts.
- Police arrested 21-year-old Matthew Sweeney at the scene and prosecutors have charged him with felony motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence, and operating to endanger; he is expected to be arraigned in Woburn District Court.
- Family members identified the victims as 35-year-old Samir Naili and his 8-year-old daughter, a student in Andover Public Schools, prompting the district to deploy mental health support for students and staff.
- Witnesses and first responders tried to pull the victims from the burning vehicle and scene photos show heavy damage with a vehicle stopping against a nearby business sign in a small shopping plaza.
- Authorities say the crash remains under active investigation and have not explained why the Acura MDX was speeding, with toxicology and reconstruction results likely to shape charges and the court case.