DARTMOUTH, Mass. — A tragic plane crash on Monday morning claimed the lives of a Rhode Island couple after their single-engine aircraft went down on Interstate 195 in southern Massachusetts, bursting into flames moments after impact. Authorities identified the victims as Thomas Perkins, 68, and his wife, Agatha Perkins, 66, both residents of Middletown, Rhode Island. The crash has left the local community heartbroken as investigators work to determine what went wrong.
According to the Massachusetts State Police, the incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. near Exit 22 when the Socata TBM-700 aircraft attempted to make an emergency landing on the grassy median of the highway. Witnesses reported seeing the plane flying unusually low before striking the ground and erupting in flames. Thick plumes of smoke quickly filled the air as passing drivers pulled over and called for help. Despite the swift arrival of emergency responders, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn confirmed that both occupants were found inside the aircraft’s fuselage. “This tragic event has taken two lives and left their family and friends in mourning,” Quinn said in a public statement. “Our thoughts are with all who are affected by this terrible accident.” A passing motorist sustained minor injuries after debris from the crash struck their vehicle and was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment.
Flight data from FlightAware indicates that the plane departed from New Bedford Regional Airport just five minutes before the crash, en route to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Preliminary information suggests the aircraft experienced mechanical difficulties shortly after takeoff, prompting the pilot to attempt a return to the airport. Authorities said no flight plan had been filed, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause.
The crash occurred amid strong winds and heavy rainfall brought on by a nor’easter moving through the region. Poor visibility and challenging weather conditions may have been contributing factors. In response, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) temporarily closed both directions of I-195 for several hours as first responders worked to extinguish the fire and clear the wreckage.
As the FAA and NTSB continue their investigation, officials are urging patience while evidence is analyzed and witness accounts reviewed. The loss of Thomas and Agatha Perkins has devastated their hometown community, where they were remembered as a loving couple who shared a passion for adventure and travel. Their sudden passing serves as a somber reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike, even on an ordinary morning.