CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WJAR) — A fiery crash on I-295 claimed two lives Friday afternoon, shutting down northbound traffic for several hours.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. near the Mendon Road overpass. Authorities reported that a southbound vehicle lost control, crossed the median, and collided head-on with a northbound pickup truck.
Approximately one minute after the crash, Rhode Island State Police confirmed that one driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second victim was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Emergency crews closed all three northbound lanes for several hours to clear the wreckage and investigate the incident. Witnesses described the crash as catastrophic, with multiple vehicles involved due to debris from the collision.
The victims' identities are pending release by authorities. State police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.