STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26A3008607
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Michael Maldonado
STATION: Berlin
CONTACT#: 802-229-9191
DATE/TIME: 10/13/2026 @ 1551 hours
STREET: Interstate 89 Southbound
TOWN: Brookfield
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Mile Marker 38.6
WEATHER: Rain
ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Pravin Patel
AGE: 80
SEAT BELT? Unknown
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pelham, NH
VEHICLE YEAR: 2025
VEHICLE MAKE: Volkswagen
VEHICLE MODEL: Atlas
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled
INJURIES: Suspected minor
HOSPITAL: Gifford Medical Center
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On the above date and time, Vermont State Police dispatch received a report of a single motor vehicle crash on Interstate 89 Southbound near mile marker 38.6 in the town of Brookfield, VT. Preliminary investigation indicated that vehicle #1 was travelling Southbound on Interstate 89 in the passing lane in a negligent and careless manner, causing it to hit a guardrail before hydroplane into a ditch. Patel was transported to the Gifford Medical Center for suspected minor injuries. Patel was issued a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Orange Criminal Division on 12/16/2026 at 0830 hours to answer to the charge of Negligent Operation. This case remains under investigation at this time.
Troopers were assisted on scene by the Brookfield Fire Department, Barre Town EMS, the Agency of Transportation and Auto Clinic.
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT: Vermont Superior Court – Orange Criminal Division
COURT DATE/TIME: 12/16/2026 @ 0830 hours
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N/A
