DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WJAR) — A small plane crash on Interstate 195 on Monday morning resulted in two fatalities and injuries to a motorist.
The plane took off from New Bedford Regional Airport at 8:10 a.m. for a flight to Wisconsin but crashed shortly thereafter, striking a silver car before coming to rest in the median and igniting. The deceased have been identified as Thomas and Agatha Perkins, a married couple from Middletown, Rhode Island.
According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the car’s driver was hospitalized but is expected to recover. Emergency responders from the Massachusetts State Police and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were at the scene, investigating the wreckage.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced closures of high-speed lanes on both eastbound and westbound sides of I-195 near Exit 19, including the exit ramps, while the investigation is conducted. These closures are expected to remain in place until at least 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Authorities confirmed that part of the investigation involves removing the plane’s fuselage and debris. In a statement, Angel Flight Northeast, where Tom Perkins was a pilot, expressed condolences, citing his skill and commitment to helping patients in need.
Massachusetts State Police have advised motorists to avoid slowing down to look at the scene.