CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WJAR) — A fiery crash on Interstate 295 left two people dead Friday afternoon, halting northbound traffic for several hours.
The collision occurred around 3:30 p.m. near the Mendon Road overpass, according to the Rhode Island State Police Department. One vehicle reportedly lost control and crossed the median into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a black pickup truck.
Authorities confirmed one victim died at the scene, while the second, sustaining serious injuries, was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where they later died. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Witness accounts describe a white car traveling south at high speed before the crash. Emergency crews closed all northbound lanes for several hours to clear debris and investigate the incident.
Traffic delays were reported across northern Rhode Island as a result of the wreckage. State police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash.