State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 195 East in Dartmouth

Today at approximately 2:45 a.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Dartmouth responded to a single vehicle crash on the Route 195 East just beyond Reed Road (Exit # 11) in Dartmouth that resulted in two fatalities and one serious injury.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Frank Ashley indicates that 18 year-old Jose Beniquez of New Bedford was operating a 1988 Honda Civic hatch on Route 195 East when he lost control of the vehicle, struck the guardrail on the right, exited the roadway and crashed into several trees. Beniquez suffered serious injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 18 year-old rear-seat passenger Angel Figueroa of New Bedford was not wearing his safety belt and was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. 26 year-old front-seat passenger Hector Figueroa of New Bedford was wearing his safety belt and suffered serious injuries in the crash. Hector Figueroa was transported by ambulance to St. Lukes Hospital in New Bedford.

Although this crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the Bristol County State Police Detectives, the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, it appears that speed may have been a factor. The Dartmouth Fire Department and Masshighways assisted troopers at the scene.

During the investigation and vehicle removal, the right and middle travel lanes as well as the breakdown lane of Route 195 East beyond Reed Road were closed for approximately 3 hours.

No further information is available at this time. Please do not contact the barracks directly.

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