2 Massachusetts drivers killed in head-on crash on Rhode Island highway

CUMBERLAND, R.I. — An investigation is underway after two drivers from Massachusetts were killed in a head-on rollover crash on a highway in Rhode Island on Thursday afternoon, authorities announced Friday.

Troopers responding to multiple reports of a wreck on Route 295 near the Mendon Road overpass in Cumberland just after 3:30 p.m. found a Dodge Ram 1500, Hyundai Ionic, and an Acura ADX that had crashed, according to Rhode Island State Police.

State police say the drivers of the Dodge and Hyundai were trapped in their vehicles, with the Hyundai beginning to smolder.

The drivers, identified as 29-year-old Joel Costa, of Hyde Park, and 44-year-old Jonathan Welch, of Norton, were extricated from the wreckage.

Story continues below Trending Shorts

Costa was pronounced dead at the scene, while Welch was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died.

Before the crash, multiple witnesses told investigators that Costa was driving his Hyundai recklessly, speeding and overtaking other vehicles in the grassy median on the southbound side of the highway. At one point, state police say Costa struck a guardrail, veered into oncoming traffic, and struck Welch’s Dodge head-on.

The impact of the collision caused Welch’s truck to roll over and sideswipe the Acura, with all three vehicles coming to a rest in the left lane, according to state police.

“While the investigation is ongoing, initial information indicates that speed and loss of control on the part of the Hyundai operator were the primary cause of this crash,” state police said in a statement.

Investigators noted that Costa and Welch weren’t wearing seatbelts.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW