PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WJAR) — A multi-vehicle pileup on Interstate 95 South resulted in additional crashes and altercations early Sunday morning.
The incident occurred shortly after 5 a.m. near the Broadway bridge. According to Rhode Island State Police, initial collisions involved several vehicles before two subsequent accidents followed.
As traffic backed up, bystanders reportedly exited their vehicles, leading to confrontations. Witness John Gomes observed individuals wandering and acting energetically. “Partying in the middle of the highway, going nuts,” he described, expressing confusion over their behavior given the accident.
Witnesses indicated that tensions escalated, resulting in physical altercations among several individuals. Gomes noted particular chaos, observing a shirtless man and others involved in a scuffle.
Authorities confirmed that at least nine people from the crashes were transported to local hospitals, though none suffered life-threatening injuries. The Rhode Island State Police are currently investigating multiple reports of fighting on-site.
Further details about road conditions and possible lane closures were not available, as emergency response efforts continued.