Cumberland, RI — Two fatalities were confirmed after a serious crash on Interstate 295 northbound on Thursday afternoon.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., authorities closed I-295 northbound between Route 146 and Mendon Road due to a collision involving multiple vehicles. Cumberland Police, Rhode Island State Police, and fire/rescue crews responded to the scene.
Initial findings revealed a southbound vehicle lost control, crossed the median, and collided head-on with a pickup truck in the northbound lanes. The driver of the pickup truck was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he succumbed to injuries. The identity of both victims has not been released.
Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle become airborne before the impact.
Emergency responders worked for hours to clear debris and investigate the scene. As a result, all northbound lanes of I-295 were reopened by 6:45 p.m. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation urged drivers to seek alternate routes during the lane closures.
Authorities have not determined the cause of the vehicle's loss of control, and the investigation is ongoing.