CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WJAR) — A fiery crash on Interstate 295 left two people dead Friday afternoon, shutting down northbound traffic for several hours.
The collision occurred around 3:30 p.m. near the Mendon Road overpass, causing significant traffic delays across northern Rhode Island. According to the Rhode Island State Police, one vehicle traveling south lost control, crossed the median, and collided head-on with a northbound pickup truck.
Troopers reported that one person was pronounced dead at the scene, while another individual suffered serious injuries and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries. The identities of the victims have not been released.
Witnesses at the scene described the incident as chaotic. A local resident reported laying on her horn moments before the collision, noting that the southbound vehicle was speeding before it became airborne and struck the pickup truck.
All three northbound lanes of I-295 were closed for several hours as crews cleared debris and investigated the scene. The Rhode Island State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.