Tragedy in Dartmouth: Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes Along I-195 During Nor’easter

DARTMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS (October 13, 2025) — A devastating scene unfolded early Monday morning as a small aircraft crashed into the wooded edge of Interstate 195 during the region’s first major nor’easter of the season, leaving two people dead and a motorist injured. The horrifying accident has shaken the Dartmouth community and raised renewed concerns about flying conditions amid severe weather.

According to Massachusetts State Police, emergency responders were called to the scene just before 8:00 a.m., after multiple drivers reported seeing a low-flying aircraft descending rapidly before disappearing behind a tree line near the Faunce Corner Road overpass. Moments later, the plane struck the edge of the interstate, bursting into flames upon impact.

When first responders arrived, they discovered the wreckage of a single-engine aircraft, engulfed in fire and debris scattered across both the wooded area and a portion of the eastbound lanes. Despite the valiant efforts of firefighters and paramedics, both individuals aboard the plane — a man and a woman from Rhode Island — were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released their names pending family notification.

A motorist traveling on I-195 sustained injuries when debris from the crash struck their vehicle. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital and is expected to survive. Several other motorists narrowly escaped harm as the fiery wreckage came to rest just feet from the roadway.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that poor visibility and high winds from the powerful nor’easter — which brought heavy rain and gusts exceeding 50 mph across southeastern Massachusetts — may have played a role.

Witnesses described the terrifying moments leading up to the crash. “The plane was flying so low — it looked like it was struggling to stay in the air,” said one driver who was traveling eastbound on I-195. “A few seconds later, it just went down. It was like watching a nightmare unfold right in front of you.”

As crews worked throughout the morning to extinguish the flames and clear debris, traffic along I-195 was temporarily shut down in both directions, causing significant delays. By late afternoon, one lane had reopened, though the crash site remained under investigation.

The victims are believed to have departed from a small airport in Rhode Island earlier that morning, en route to New Bedford Regional Airport. Officials are examining whether the weather conditions contributed to their difficulties during the flight’s final moments.

Local residents have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, with many offering condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Dartmouth resident Carol Stevens. “You just never expect something like this to happen so close to home. My heart goes out to their loved ones.”

The tragic crash marks one of the most devastating aviation incidents in Massachusetts in recent years, serving as a sobering reminder of the dangers of flying in severe weather.

As the community grieves, investigators continue to search for answers — hoping to bring clarity to what led to this heartbreaking loss.

Two lives were lost far too soon on a stormy October morning — but their memory will live on in the hearts of those they leave behind.