On Monday, a small aircraft tragically crashed beside a busy highway in southeastern Massachusetts amid severe weather conditions, resulting in two fatalities and one injury on the ground.
Massachusetts State Police reported that the plane went down near Interstate 195 in Dartmouth, approximately 50 miles south of Boston. The impact scattered burning debris across the highway, prompting officials to shut down traffic in both directions for safety reasons.
Motorists passing by captured footage showing thick smoke billowing from the crash site as emergency personnel quickly arrived to manage the situation.
Authorities confirmed there were no survivors aboard the plane, which was believed to be attempting to land at the nearby New Bedford Regional Airport. Investigators also noted that the pilot had not submitted a flight plan or disclosed passenger information prior to takeoff.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a formal inquiry into the accident, identifying the aircraft as a Socata TBM-700 that had departed from New Bedford Airport.
An NTSB representative stated that the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Meanwhile, State Police confirmed that one individual on the ground sustained injuries and was transported to a medical facility.
At the time of the incident, the National Weather Service reported a nor’easter affecting the area, bringing persistent rainfall and wind speeds ranging from 30 to 40 miles per hour.
Officials have withheld the names of the victims pending notification of their families.
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated via email that it is currently unable to address media questions, although State Police expect the FAA to take over the investigation.
