CUMBERLAND, RI — Two people died in a crash on Interstate 295 northbound around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, causing a significant highway closure.
According to Rhode Island State Police, the crash occurred near the Mendon Road exit when a southbound vehicle lost control, crossed the median, and collided with a northbound pickup truck. Both drivers sustained serious injuries; one was pronounced dead at the scene while the other died later at Rhode Island Hospital.
Cumberland police closed I-295 northbound at Route 146 and Mendon Road for several hours as emergency responders, including local fire/rescue crews, attended to the victims. Traffic was backed up significantly, with southbound lanes also affected.
Authorities have not publicly identified the drivers involved. Witnesses reported the alarming nature of the crash, describing how the southbound vehicle became airborne before impact.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation confirmed that all northbound lanes of I-295 reopened at 6:45 p.m. The cause of the vehicle losing control is still under investigation.
Crews have cleared the scene, and an investigation is ongoing.