NORTH READING, Mass. — A Massachusetts man faces multiple charges in connection with a devastating crash that resulted in the deaths of a father and his 8-year-old daughter on Saturday night, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office.

Matthew Sweeney, 21, of Paxton, was reportedly driving an Acura MDX at high speeds on Route 28 when he collided with a Honda HR-V that was stopped at a red light. The impact caused the second vehicle to catch fire.

Emergency responders, along with bystanders, attempted to rescue the occupants of the Honda, but both the father, identified as Samir Naili, 35, and his daughter, Kashmera Naili, 8, tragically died at the scene. Family members described Samir as a dedicated father who cherished music and teaching his daughter, while Kashmera was remembered as a bright and kind student preparing to enter third grade.

According to reports, the father and daughter had just left their home to purchase milk when the accident occurred. Samir's mother expressed her devastation over the loss and praised the first responders for their efforts to save her son and granddaughter.

Sweeney was arrested at the scene and is charged with felony motor vehicle homicide, operating under the influence (OUI), and operating to endanger. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday in Woburn District Court.

Witnesses described the scene, noting the extensive damage to the vehicles involved. One witness recounted seeing the fire engulf the Honda almost immediately after the crash, stating, "By the time we tried to help we couldn't. It was too late. The fire took over the car in seconds." Another witness, who owned a nearby pizza shop, attempted to assist but was unable to reach the victims before the flames spread.

The investigation into the crash continues as the community mourns the loss of the Naili family.