CUMBERLAND, RI — Two people were killed Thursday in a crash on Interstate 295 in Cumberland after a car traveling south crossed the median and hit a pickup truck heading north. The collision shut down the northbound side of the highway for hours and caused major traffic backups in both directions.
Rhode Island State Police said troopers, Cumberland officers and fire and rescue crews responded around 3:30 p.m. to the area between the Mendon Road and Diamond Hill Road exits. Investigators said one victim was already dead when crews arrived and the other had serious injuries.
State police say the car crossed into northbound traffic near Mendon Road
According to the preliminary investigation, the southbound vehicle lost control near Mendon Road, crossed the center median and entered the northbound lanes before striking the pickup. Police have not publicly identified either driver.
The pickup driver was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died. State police have not said what caused the southbound car to lose control or whether weather, speed or another factor played a role in the crash.
The scene remained active for several hours while investigators worked the highway and crews cleared debris from the roadway.
Northbound I-295 closed at Route 146 and Mendon Road during the investigation
Cumberland police said northbound I-295 was closed at Route 146 and at Mendon Road because of the serious crash. Drivers approaching the area were urged to find alternate routes while emergency responders and investigators worked.
Video from the scene showed vehicles stacked up behind the closure and some drivers trying to turn around. The southbound lanes were also affected by the incident as traffic slowed around the crash site.
Rhode Island State Police and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation said all northbound lanes reopened by 6:45 p.m. after the on-scene investigation was completed and the roadway was cleared.
Witness describes the crash as sudden and devastating
A North Providence woman who was driving to pick up her son said she saw the crash unfold. She told WJAR that a white car traveling south crossed the median, went airborne and slammed head-on into a black pickup truck in the high-speed northbound lane.
Alysia Polion said she laid on the horn as the collision happened and later described the moment as horrifying. She said the pickup driver could not have avoided the impact because it happened so quickly.
Polion also said she kept thinking about her son’s birthday as the crash unfolded, adding that the moment showed how fast life can change.
Investigation into the cause of the median crossing remains open
State police said the investigation is continuing. At this point, officials have not said why the vehicle crossed the median or whether charges are being considered.
The crash brought a complete stop to part of a major Rhode Island highway during the afternoon commute, with traffic disrupted for hours as investigators documented the scene and tow crews worked to reopen the road.
Authorities have not released the names of the people who died.
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