Mark Omand Death – On the evening of January 15, 2025, a tragic accident on Vermont Route 127, known locally as the Beltline, claimed the life of one teenager and left another man seriously injured.
The Burlington Police Department was alerted to the scene of the collision around 5:30 p.m., near the North Avenue interchange, where they found two vehicles in catastrophic condition following a violent crash.
The vehicles involved were an Audi driven by 18-year-old Mark Omand from Essex Junction and a Jeep operated by 45-year-old Derek Lorrain from Burlington.
According to preliminary investigations, Omand was reportedly driving at excessive speeds when his Audi veered across the median, resulting in a head-on collision with Lorrain’s Jeep. The impact was so severe that Omand was pronounced dead at the scene due to the extent of his injuries.
Emergency services were quick to respond, with the Burlington Fire Department working to extricate Lorrain from his vehicle. He was then transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. The specifics of his condition have not been disclosed to the public, but it was confirmed that no other passengers were involved in the incident.
The aftermath of the crash saw Route 127 closed for several hours as both law enforcement and emergency crews managed the scene. Traffic had to be diverted, creating significant disruptions in the area.
Police worked diligently through the night, piecing together the sequence of events, collecting evidence, and reconstructing the crash. The road was finally reopened just before midnight once the immediate investigation was concluded.
Speed has been pinpointed as a primary factor in this accident. However, the Burlington Police Department is also considering other potential contributing factors such as road conditions or driver distractions. The ongoing investigation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances that led to this fatal incident.
The release of the names of those involved was done in part to inform the community and to assist with the investigation. The loss of young Mark Omand has deeply affected the community, casting a shadow over Essex Junction and Burlington. Local leaders have expressed their sympathies to both families, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy.