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Rav-4 driver dies in head-on crash

A Massachusetts man was killed Wednesday morning in a head-on collision on Route 9 in Searsburg, according to Vermont State Police.

Troopers from the Shaftsbury Barracks responded at about 10:53 a.m. to the crash near Old Route 9. One driver was reported trapped and unresponsive.

Police said Alan J. Vautrain, 53, of Ludlow, Massachusetts, was traveling east when his 2017 Toyota RAV4 crossed into the oncoming lane. A westbound driver, identified as Robert S. Ruhl, 72, of Wilmington, attempted to avoid the crash by swerving, but Vautrain also tried to return to his lane at the last moment, resulting in a head-on collision.

Vautrain was pronounced dead at the scene. Ruhl, who was driving a 2025 Lexus RX, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for treatment.

Both vehicles were totaled in the crash.
Vermont State Police were assisted at the scene by the Wilmington Fire Department, Deerfield Valley Rescue, and Walt’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Trooper Stevens at the Shaftsbury Barracks at 802-442-5421.

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Rav-4 driver dies in head-on crash

A Massachusetts man was killed Wednesday morning in a head-on collision on Route 9 in Searsburg, according to Vermont State Police.

Troopers from the Shaftsbury Barracks responded at about 10:53 a.m. to the crash near Old Route 9. One driver was reported trapped and unresponsive.

Police said Alan J. Vautrain, 53, of Ludlow, Massachusetts, was traveling east when his 2017 Toyota RAV4 crossed into the oncoming lane. A westbound driver, identified as Robert S. Ruhl, 72, of Wilmington, attempted to avoid the crash by swerving, but Vautrain also tried to return to his lane at the last moment, resulting in a head-on collision.

Vautrain was pronounced dead at the scene. Ruhl, who was driving a 2025 Lexus RX, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center for treatment.

Both vehicles were totaled in the crash.
Vermont State Police were assisted at the scene by the Wilmington Fire Department, Deerfield Valley Rescue, and Walt’s Towing.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Trooper Stevens at the Shaftsbury Barracks at 802-442-5421.