Executive Summary
- Two people were killed in a fiery crash in Swansea, MA, involving a speeding suspect.
- The suspect was reportedly fleeing a homicide investigation in Cranston, RI.
- Authorities stated the suspect’s vehicle struck the victims’ car at a high rate of speed.
- The crash is under investigation by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and State Police.
Two individuals were killed early Friday in Swansea, Massachusetts, after their vehicle was struck by a driver who authorities say was fleeing a homicide investigation in neighboring Rhode Island. The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Route 6 and James Reynolds Road shortly after midnight.
According to a joint statement released by Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley and Swansea Fire Chief Eric Hajder, emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 12:18 a.m. Preliminary investigation reports indicate that a white 2013 Infinity G37, traveling westbound on Route 6 at a "very high rate of speed," collided with the side of a blue 2022 Subaru Ascent traveling southbound.
Authorities described the damage to both vehicles as "catastrophic." The force of the impact caused the Subaru to become fully engulfed in flames. Despite immediate efforts by bystanders and first responders to extinguish the fire, the two occupants of the Subaru—a man and a woman—were pronounced dead at the scene. The 28-year-old driver of the Infinity sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, police stated.
Swansea Police confirmed they had been alerted to be on the lookout for the suspect’s vehicle, which was reportedly fleeing a police pursuit initiated in Rhode Island. However, Swansea officers were not actively chasing the vehicle at the specific moment of the collision. The driver, whose identity has not been immediately released, is wanted in connection with a homicide investigation in Cranston, Rhode Island.
According to reports from the Providence Journal, the Cranston investigation centers on a man who was shot multiple times around 9 p.m. on Legion Way. Investigators believe the victim was targeted when he answered his door.
Investigative Outlook
The incident is currently under investigation by the Swansea Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. Given the cross-border nature of the crimes, law enforcement strategy will likely involve close coordination between Massachusetts and Rhode Island authorities regarding potential extradition and the filing of multiple felony charges related to both the vehicular fatalities and the homicide.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
