At least two people were killed when a small plane crashed and burst into flames on a median strip of Interstate 195 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. (Credit: Matthew Neto via Storyful)
DARTMOUTH, Mass. – Authorities said a small plane crashed early Monday along a major highway in southeastern Massachusetts during rain and strong winds, killing both people on board and injuring one person on the ground.
In videos taken by people in passing vehicles, smoke could be seen billowing up above Interstate 195 from scattered, blazing debris. The highway was closed in both directions near the crash site in Dartmouth, a town about 50 miles south of Boston, the state Department of Transportation said.
What they’re saying:
The Massachusetts State Police said in a statement it was not aware of any survivors on the plane, which it said may have been attempting to land at New Bedford Regional Airport. However, officials said it does not appear that the pilot provided the airport with a flight plan or passenger details.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, I-195 at exit 22 in Dartmouth was closed in both directions as a result of the crash. (Credit: @ltanz28 via Storyful)
A spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating the crash, saying a Socata TBM-700 had departed from the New Bedford airport.
What we know:
A person on the ground was also taken to the hospital, state police said.
At the time of the crash, the National Weather Service said a nor’easter had brought rain and winds from 30 to 40 mph to the area.
What we don’t know:
No information about the people on board would be made public, authorities said, pending notification of their next of kin.
What’s next:
The Federal Aviation Administration, which state police said would likely take over the investigation, said in an email that it could not respond to media inquiries due to the government shutdown.
The Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report. Information in this story came from statements by the Massachusetts State Police, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
