DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WJAR) — A small plane crashed in the median of Interstate 195 in Dartmouth on Monday.
The crash claimed the lives of two individuals on the aircraft.
One person on the ground sustained injuries and was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital.
Massachusetts State Police said at 8:15 a.m., a fixed-wing airplane crashed on the median of I-195, which resulted in a fire on the ground.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation said the highway was closed in both directions at exit 22 as of 9 a.m.
Officials expect the closure to remain for several hours, and drivers are asked to find an alternate route.
Investigators said they believe the plane was trying to land at New Bedford Regional Airport, but the pilot appears not to have provided the airport with a flight plan or the number of passengers.
Eric Desouza was on I-195 when the crash occured.
“We were coming down the highway, and then all of a sudden everybody locked up the brakes, we all starting zig-zagging, nobody hit each other where I was,” said Desouza.
A silver car at the scene appears to have significant damage just feet away from the crashed plane.
As far as the eye could see there were no cars traveling on the highway for most of the day.
An NBC 10 News crew observed first responders putting crime scene tape around the wreckage.
State police did not provide any information on the identity of the pilot or passengers, nor information on injuries.
Federal Aviation Administration officials are investigating the crash.
The NTSB said in a social post that it was investigating the crash of a TBM-700.
“Not something to see every day,” said Desouza. “You know, certainly nobody will wake up this morning expected to be hit by a plane as you can see out there. Or to be hours late for work for those of us who are just trying to get to work. “
This story will be updated.