DARTMOUTH — Two people died Monday morning when a small plane crashed on the median of Interstate 195 in Dartmouth and caught fire as a nor’easter brought heavy rain and strong winds to the region, officials said.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the fixed-wing Socata TBM 700 aircraft took off from New Bedford Regional Airport shortly after 8 a.m. and went down on the westbound side of the highway. The plane, owned by Easton Air, LLC of Middletown, Rhode Island, burst into flames upon impact.
Video from the scene showed the wreckage engulfed in fire on the highway median. A damaged car was also visible nearby, though investigators have not confirmed whether it was struck during the crash.
In addition to the two people aboard the aircraft, police said one person on the ground was injured and transported to St. Luke’s Hospital. The identities of the deceased have not been released.
Officials said it does not appear that the pilot filed a flight plan or reported how many people were on board before takeoff.
Commuter Ron Valiquette told WCVB-TV that he encountered traffic backups while traveling to work. “It was a wonder that all of a sudden I hit all this traffic. I had to take Route 6 to get over here thinking what crazy accident happened on 195,” Valiquette said. “I was listening on the radio and come to find out there was an airplane crash on the highway.”
Interstate 195 was closed in both directions for several hours this morning as crews responded to the crash and fire. Drivers were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are expected to take over the investigation into the cause of the crash.