Thursday, 4:30 PM
Randolph town employee critical after X-mas light accident
By Andrew Ryan, Globe Correspondent
A long-time town employee with deep roots in Randolph was in critical condition today after an accident Tuesday dropped him 20-feet onto Main Street while he was hanging Christmas lights in a tree.
Raymond Van Tassel Jr., 52, was in a cherrypicker stringing white lights outside St. Mary's Catholic Church when a northbound tractor trailer hit his truck and knocked him 20 feet to the ground. Van Tassel was rushed to Boston Medical Center, where a spokesman said today he was listed in critical condition.
The tractor-trailer was driven by a man from Quebec, Canada, who police did not identify because he had not been issued a citation.
"No decisions have made yet about charges, but the incident remains under investigation," said Police Chief Paul Porter
Following procedure, the driver was given a drug test and police expect to have the results in about five days. The man did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Porter said.
Van Tassel has worked for the town Department of Public Works for several years. He has also been a tree warden and animal control officer.
"He is very familiar to most people" in Randolph, Porter said. "His father was my scout leader."
Van Tassel was hanging lights up and down Main Street for Randolph's annual holiday lighting, which is scheduled for Thursday evening.
