A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 295 in Cumberland, Rhode Island, killed two Massachusetts residents Thursday afternoon, August 20, 2026. The incident unfolded near the Mendon Road overpass around 3:30 p.m., according to Rhode Island State Police.
Troopers found three vehicles in the northbound lanes after multiple 911 calls. A southbound Hyundai Ioniq crossed the grassy median, struck a center guardrail, and entered opposing traffic. It slammed head-on into a northbound Dodge Ram 1500. The pickup rotated, rolled onto its passenger side, and sideswiped an Acura ADX with minor damage. Both the Hyundai and Dodge stopped in the left lane.
Witnesses described the Hyundai speeding and weaving through the median before veering left into oncoming lanes the wrong way. Tire marks confirmed the path.
Joel Costa, 29, of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, drove the Hyundai. Trapped inside as it smoldered, he was extricated but pronounced dead at the scene before the electric vehicle fully ignited. Jonathan Welch, 44, of Norton, Massachusetts, drove the Dodge. Also trapped, he was freed and taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died. Neither wore a seat belt…