RI Couple Killed in Fiery Nor’easter Plane Crash on I-195 in Dartmouth – Highway Shutdown Sparks Chaos
A harrowing nor’easter battered the Northeast when a single-engine plane plummeted from the sky, erupting into flames on the median of Interstate 195 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, claiming two lives and injuring a motorist below.
The tragedy unfolded around 8:15 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, as trending searches for plane crash I-195 Dartmouth, RI couple killed, Socata TBM crash, and nor’easter plane crash exploded online. The Socata TBM700C2, registration N111RF, had just departed New Bedford Regional Airport without filing a flight plan or reporting souls on board. It slammed into the grassy median near Reed Road and Exit 19, scattering debris that struck a silver Hyundai Sonata and igniting a fierce blaze visible for miles.
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn identified the victims as 68-year-old Thomas Perkins and his wife, 66-year-old Agatha Perkins, a devoted couple from Middletown, Rhode Island. They were pronounced dead at the scene inside the fuselage. The driver of the damaged vehicle, a woman whose name wasn’t released, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford.
Massachusetts State Police, along with Bristol County detectives and crime scene teams, swarmed the site amid gusting winds up to 55 mph and heavy downpours from the nor’easter. Videos captured by drivers showed thick black smoke billowing over the highway, with firefighters battling flames on the twisted wreckage.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the probe, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hampered by an ongoing government shutdown. Preliminary findings suggest the pilot may have been attempting an emergency landing at New Bedford amid deteriorating weather, but no definitive cause has emerged.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell expressed profound grief: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families… It’s miraculous that no motorists suffered serious injuries.” Social media erupted with shock, as users shared dashcam footage and mourned the Perkins, calling it a “heartbreaking reminder of aviation risks in storms.”
For U.S. commuters and travelers in the Northeast, the crash triggered massive gridlock. I-195 shut down in both directions at Exits 19 and 22 for hours, forcing detours via Route 88 south to Route 6 east, then Route 140 north. Thousands faced delays heading to Boston or Providence, amplifying the nor’easter’s fury with flooded roads and power outages. Aviation enthusiasts nationwide are watching closely, as this underscores the perils of general aviation in severe weather—small planes like the TBM700, prized for speed, demand vigilant piloting.
The highway reopened by late afternoon, but cleanup continues. Experts anticipate the NTSB report could reveal weather’s role, potentially prompting safety reviews for regional airports.
As investigations into the plane crash I-195 Dartmouth, RI couple killed, Socata TBM crash, and nor’easter plane crash deepen, the community rallies in support of the Perkins family and the injured driver, hoping for answers amid the storm’s aftermath.
By Sam Michael
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