In a shocking incident on Monday morning, a small aircraft crashed onto the median strip of Interstate 195 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, resulting in the deaths of two individuals aboard the plane. Another person on the ground sustained injuries, according to the Massachusetts State Police (MSP). The tragic crash caused major disruptions to traffic in the area and prompted a large-scale emergency response.
How the Plane Crash Happened
According to preliminary reports, the fixed-wing aircraft went down around 8:15 a.m. local time on the highway median between New Bedford and Fall River. Eyewitnesses said they saw the plane descending rapidly before it burst into flames upon impact.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) confirmed that both westbound and eastbound lanes of I-195 were shut down to secure the area. Initially, only the westbound lanes at Exit 19 were closed, but the closure was later extended in both directions as emergency crews arrived to handle the wreckage and fire.
State police stated that two people aboard the aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities are being withheld until family members can be notified. One individual on the ground — possibly a motorist — was injured and taken by car to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. The extent of their injuries is not yet known.
Video footage from the scene showed the main fuselage of the aircraft engulfed in flames, with debris scattered across the highway. Another burning section of the plane appeared to have landed on the opposite side of the road, near the shoulder. A damaged car was also visible, though it remains unclear if it was struck by the plane or damaged in another way.
Investigation and Response Efforts
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken over the investigation into the cause of the crash. According to officials, the plane might have been attempting to land at New Bedford Regional Airport, located just a few miles away. However, it appears the pilot did not file a flight plan, and the exact number of occupants aboard remains uncertain.
Emergency personnel from Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Fall River rushed to the crash site, along with Massachusetts State Police units, fire departments, and EMS responders. The Westport Fire Department confirmed via Facebook that its team also assisted Dartmouth authorities in fire suppression and rescue operations.
The wreckage fire was extinguished after several minutes, but the scene remained cordoned off for hours as investigators documented debris and examined the crash pattern. State police said I-195 would likely stay closed for several hours until the wreckage was cleared and the area deemed safe for reopening.
Local traffic was diverted through nearby routes, causing major congestion throughout the morning commute.
Eyewitness Accounts and Public Reaction
Motorists traveling on I-195 described the terrifying scene that unfolded before them. Eric Desouza, one of the witnesses, told NBC affiliate WJAR that he was in traffic when the plane came down.
“We were coming down the highway, and suddenly everyone slammed on their brakes,” Desouza recalled. “There was smoke and fire ahead, and within minutes, police and firefighters were everywhere.”
Desouza said drivers were told to reverse their vehicles and turn around on the highway after the crash. “It’s not something you expect to see on your way to work,” he added. “No one ever imagines a plane coming down on a highway.”
Another witness described seeing a trail of smoke in the sky before the plane made an abrupt descent. “It looked like the engine was failing,” the witness said. “Then it disappeared behind the trees, and seconds later, there was an explosion.”
Residents of the Dartmouth area reported hearing a loud bang followed by plumes of black smoke visible from several miles away.
Officials have not confirmed what caused the aircraft to lose control, but engine failure or pilot error are among the early possibilities being considered. The FAA said it will analyze the wreckage, flight path data, and communication logs to determine the cause of the accident.
FAQs about the Dartmouth Plane Crash
1. Where did the plane crash occur?
The crash happened in the median of Interstate 195 near Dartmouth, Massachusetts, between the New Bedford and Fall River exits.
2. How many people were killed or injured?
Two people aboard the aircraft were killed, while one person on the ground sustained injuries and was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital.
3. Was the plane trying to land?
Preliminary reports suggest the plane might have been attempting to land at New Bedford Regional Airport, located a short distance away from the crash site.
4. Who is investigating the crash?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken over the investigation, with assistance from Massachusetts State Police.
5. Is Interstate 195 open now?
Authorities said both sides of I-195 were closed for several hours following the crash. Traffic was being diverted, and reopening was expected after the wreckage was fully cleared and the site was secured.