State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 195 in New Bedford

Today, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Dartmouth responded to a four-vehicle crash on Route 195 East between exit 12 and 13 in New Bedford that resulted in one fatality.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Diane Breault indicates that a 61-year-old Barbara Niemi from Wareham was killed while operating a 2002 Ford Taurus on Route 195 East. The Ford Taurus was in the middle travel lane when the vehicle struck the rear of a 2008 GMC Acadia operated by a 32 year-old Ryan Feeney from Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The GMC rolled over after impact but the operator sustained minor injuries and was transported to St Lukes hospital. Both the GMC the Ford were towed from the scene. Two other vehicles involved where a 2007 BMW operated by a 66 year-old Frederick Roth from Tiverton, Rhode Island and 1999 Pontiac Grand AM operated by a 49 year old Josefina Tajes from Fall River, Massachusetts. The operators of the Pontiac and the BMW did not sustain any injury and both vehicles were not towed. The 61 year old female was transported to St Lukes hospital were she was later pronounced deceased.

This crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the Medical Examiners Office.

Due to the investigation and vehicle removal, the left two lane of Route 195 East was closed for approximately 1/2 hours.

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