Local News
Thomas Perkins and his wife Agatha Perkins killed in plane crash onto I-195 in Dartmouth
DARTMOUTH, Massachusetts — A tragic plane crash on Monday morning claimed the lives of a Rhode Island couple when their single-engine aircraft went down on Interstate 195 in southern Massachusetts, bursting into flames upon impact.
According to the Massachusetts State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 8:15 a.m. when the aircraft attempted to make an emergency landing on the grassy median of I-195 near Exit 22 in Dartmouth.
The impact ignited a fire, and thick smoke was seen billowing from the wreckage moments later.
State Police confirmed that both occupants aboard the plane were killed. “This morning’s incident has resulted in the death of two individuals aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. We offer our condolences to their families and loved ones,” the agency said in a statement.
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn identified the victims as Thomas Perkins, 68, and his wife, Agatha Perkins, 66, both residents of Middletown, Rhode Island.
According to Quinn, both victims were located inside the aircraft’s fuselage and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
A passing motorist sustained non-life-threatening injuries when debris from the aircraft struck their vehicle.
The driver, whose identity has not been released, was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment.
Video footage recorded by other motorists showed the wreckage engulfed in flames on the highway median.
The plane’s wings appeared separated from the fuselage, and the forward section of the aircraft was completely destroyed.
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft was a Socata TBM-700, a single-engine turboprop capable of carrying up to six passengers.
According to FlightAware data, the plane departed from New Bedford Regional Airport at 8:10 a.m., bound for Kenosha, Wisconsin, with a scheduled arrival time of 10:09 a.m. Preliminary findings suggest the aircraft may have experienced difficulties shortly after takeoff and was attempting to return to the airport before crashing.
“Preliminary information indicates the plane may have been attempting to land at New Bedford Regional Airport,” State Police said. “It does not appear that the pilot provided the airport with a flight plan or the number of occupants aboard.”
The crash occurred amid poor weather conditions associated with a nor’easter affecting the New England region, bringing rain, wind gusts up to 40 mph, and reduced visibility.
In response to the crash, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) temporarily closed I-195 in both directions near Exit 22. The highway remained closed for approximately five hours as emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.
The Bristol County State Police Detective Unit, Crime Scene Services Section, and Field Services were all present at the site, along with first responders from New Bedford Fire and EMS.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assumed responsibility for investigating the cause of the crash. However, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the FAA stated it is not responding to routine media inquiries at this time.
Authorities are continuing to examine the wreckage and flight data to determine the precise cause of the fatal crash.
Local News
Multiple Injuries Reported After Passenger Transport Vehicle Strikes Gate at Dulles International Airport
DULLES, Va. — Several passengers were injured Sunday after a mobile lounge, also known as a “People Mover,” collided with a gate at Washington Dulles International Airport, authorities confirmed.
According to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the incident occurred as the People Mover was transporting passengers from an arriving flight to Concourse D. While approaching the docking area, the vehicle reportedly struck the building at an angle, resulting in multiple injuries among those onboard.
Emergency medical personnel from MWAA Fire and Rescue responded promptly to the scene and began assessing the injured passengers.
Officials said several individuals were being evaluated for their injuries, though an exact number and the extent of those injuries have not yet been released.
An airport spokesperson stated that despite the incident, overall airport operations remained normal and no significant service disruptions were reported.
The People Mover vehicles, an iconic feature of Dulles International Airport since its early years, are primarily used to transport passengers between terminals, particularly for international arrivals and departures.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what caused the collision, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing.