Fatal Plane Crash on I-195 in Dartmouth Under Investigation
DARTMOUTH, MA—A small airplane crash on Interstate 195 during Monday morning rush hour resulted in two fatalities and prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The incident occurred near Exit 9, with victims identified as 68-year-old Thomas Perkins and his 66-year-old wife, Agatha, from Middletown, Rhode Island, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders reported that a woman in a vehicle struck by debris was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses captured video of black smoke emanating from the wreckage, which was scattered across the roadway and median.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has closed the high-speed lanes of I-195 east and west at the Exit 9 ramp, as well as the Exit 19B ramp on I-195 west. These closures are expected to last until 8 p.m. Authorities recommend drivers seek alternate routes.
NTSB officials are examining the wreckage, and preliminary reports suggest the aircraft may have been attempting to land at New Bedford Regional Airport without a provided flight plan. A nor'easter brought rain and winds of 30 to 40 mph to the area at the time of the crash.
The NTSB is investigating the circumstances of the Socata TBM-700 crash. The Federal Aviation Administration is unable to comment due to the ongoing government shutdown.
This report was contributed to by the Associated Press.