State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 195 in Dartmouth

Yesterday, at approximately 4:45 p.m. Troopers assigned to the State Police Barracks in Dartmouth responded to a Three-vehicle accident on Route 195 eastbound, one mile west of exit 13 in Dartmouth, which resulted in one fatality.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Michael Turgeon indicates that a 21-year-old female, Dakota Jones from Marston Mills was driving a 1997 Mitsubishi Diamante west on Route 195 when it crossed over the median strip. The Mitsubishi struck a 2005 Ford Mustang traveling eastbound head on. The driver of the Mustang, 46-year-old Susan M. Lepage from New Bedford, was ejected. The Mustang was pushed into a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 29-year-old Daniel Allende from Fairhaven. The Jeep Rolled over to the right from the center lane striking a 2005 Toyota Prius driven by 20-year-old Amy Lopes from New Bedford who pulled into the breakdown lane. Lepage suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Allende and Jones were transported by Dartmouth EMS to St. Lukes Hospital with minor injuries. Jones is charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, marked lanes violation and speeding.

This crash is under investigation with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, the Bristol District Attorney's Office and the Office of the Chief Medical examiner. Dartmouth Fire and Police, New Bedford Police and Mass Highways assisted Troopers at the scene.

All eastbound lanes were closed at exit 12 for approximately 2 hours. Traffic was diverted to Faunce Corner Road No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.