DARTMOUTH, MA — A small plane crashed in the median of Interstate 195 on Monday morning, resulting in two fatalities.
The crash occurred around 8:15 a.m., according to authorities. The identities of the deceased have not been released pending family notification. At least one individual on the ground was injured and transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford; the severity of their injuries is currently unknown.
Emergency response included state police, New Bedford and Fall River police, and fire EMS. I-195 westbound was initially closed at exit 19, with the left lane of eastbound traffic also affected. Following the incident, I-195 was closed in both directions for several hours to secure the scene.
Witnesses reported traffic abruptly stopping as the crash unfolded. Eric Desouza, who was in traffic at the time, described how vehicles were redirected and the scene unfolded. “It’s not something you see every day,” he said.
Federal Aviation Administration officials will lead the investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board also involved. Preliminary details suggest the plane may have been attempting to land at New Bedford Regional Airport but did not file a flight plan.
In a statement, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell expressed condolences to the victims’ families and noted the miraculous avoidance of serious injuries to other motorists.
The situation remains under investigation.