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
At least two killed, multiple trapped after explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol
BRISTOL, Pa. (Bucks County) — Emergency crews are responding to a major incident at the Silver Lake Nursing Home following a reported gas explosion that caused a partial building collapse.
The incident occurred at approximately 905 Tower Road, where a second alarm and a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) response were requested as conditions escalated.
First-arriving units reported significant structural damage to the facility, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation for residents and staff.
Authorities on scene indicated that approximately 15 patients were initially accounted for outside the building, while multiple others remain unaccounted for.
Rescue teams have reported numerous individuals trapped beneath debris on the second floor, as well as additional victims trapped in the basement area.
At least two fatalities has been reported in the basement, according to early emergency communications.
As the situation developed, a third alarm was transmitted, bringing in substantial mutual aid resources, including out-of-county fire, rescue, and emergency medical units. A medical helicopter has been placed on standby in anticipation of critical patient transport.
Emergency personnel continue to conduct systematic searches of the damaged structure while assessing stability concerns and coordinating patient triage.
The extent of injuries and the total number of victims have not yet been confirmed.
Road closures are in effect in the surrounding area as emergency operations continue. Officials have advised the public to avoid the scene to allow responders unobstructed access.
This remains a rapidly evolving situation.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as more details are confirmed.