Wrong-way maneuver on Route 295 leads to two fatalities
CUMBERLAND — Two men from Massachusetts were killed Thursday afternoon when a Hyundai crossed the grassy median on Route 295 and collided with other vehicles, Rhode Island State Police said.
State police responded at about 3:31 p.m. to reports of a multi-vehicle crash in Cumberland. Troopers found a Hyundai Ioniq, a Dodge Ram and an Acura RDX involved in the collision. Emergency crews removed trapped occupants from the Dodge and the Hyundai before the Hyundai began to smolder, authorities said.
Investigators say the Hyundai entered the northbound lanes after traveling onto the median and striking the guardrail. The Hyundai struck the Dodge head-on; the Dodge then sideswiped the Acura, according to police.
The driver of the Hyundai, identified as 29-year-old Joel Costa of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Dodge driver, 44-year-old Jonathan Welch of Norton, Massachusetts, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital and later died, police said. Both men were the lone occupants of their vehicles.
Authorities told reporters that witness accounts described the Hyundai as operating recklessly prior to the collision, including speeding and using the grassy median to pass other vehicles. Troopers said preliminary findings point to speed and loss of control by the Hyundai as contributing factors.
Response and on-scene actions
Fire and rescue personnel worked at the scene to free both drivers before the Hyundai showed signs of fire, state police said. The presence of smoldering on the Hyundai prompted crews to act quickly to extract occupants and secure the scene.
State police continue to investigate the crash, collecting witness statements and examining the path the Hyundai took leading up to the impact. Police have not released the identities of any other involved occupants or provided details on injuries to the Acura driver, if any.
- Time: about 3:31 p.m., Thursday
- Location: Route 295, Cumberland
- Vehicles involved: Hyundai Ioniq, Dodge Ram, Acura RDX
- Fatalities: Joel Costa, 29 (Hyde Park, Mass.); Jonathan Welch, 44 (Norton, Mass.)
Local impact and safety concerns
The crash prompted emergency response in a busy corridor that links northern Rhode Island to the interstate system. Collisions on Route 295 can quickly create extended backups and complicate rescue operations because of traffic volumes and limited shoulder space in places.
Officials often urge drivers to maintain safe speeds and to avoid aggressive passing maneuvers, particularly on divided highways where high speeds reduce reaction time and increase the chance of vehicles crossing into opposing lanes after losing control.
State police did not immediately indicate whether charges would be filed. The investigation will look at vehicle speeds, point of impact, any mechanical issues and statements from witnesses who saw the Hyundai’s movements prior to the crash.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Responding agency | Rhode Island State Police |
| Crash type | Multi-vehicle collision after median crossing |
| Probable causes cited | Speed; loss of control (under investigation) |
As the state police continue their work, families of the deceased and witnesses are likely to be contacted for further information. Troopers did not release additional personal details about the victims beyond their names, ages and hometowns.
This incident is a reminder of the dangers of high-speed and reckless driving on Rhode Island highways. Authorities encourage anyone with information related to Thursday’s crash to contact the Rhode Island State Police as they assemble the full sequence of events that led to the fatalities.
WE NEWS will update this story as more information becomes available from state police and emergency responders.
