| HOPKINTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island State Police are investigating a tractor trailer crash on I-95 South that left one man dead and that tied up traffic on the interstate Thursday afternoon.
The crash, first reported shortly before 2 p.m., was blocking the right lane, the shoulder and an exit ramp at Exit 1 (Rt. 3) in Hopkinton.
Rhode Island State Police said the initial investigation revealed the tractor-trailer was traveling south in the right lane when the driver swerved to avoid a black Hyundai which was moving into the lane.
Police said the driver lost control of the truck, which then struck the guardrail, continued across the Exit 1 ramp, and crashed head-on into a tree.
“A tree limb had gone through the front windshield,” said Sean Kennedy, who was driving by and pulled over to try and help the driver before first responders arrived. “The passenger seat was torn out of it, the engine was laying in the woods somewhere,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy said a number of drivers pulled over to help, but they couldn’t fully free the driver.
“He was pinned in all the debris from the truck, and his leg was pinned down by the steering wheel,” Kennedy said.
The driver was flown to Rhode Island Hospital via helicopter where, according to police, he died from his injuries.
State police said the Hyundai was not hit and the driver pulled over and immediately called for help.
Traffic was backed up for hours while crews worked to clear the scene.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call State Police Headquarters at (401) 444-1068. |
