Two people died in a plane crash on a Massachusetts highway during a nor’easter storm.

Two individuals tragically lost their lives when a small aircraft crashed onto Interstate 195 in southeast Massachusetts on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. as the plane was reportedly attempting to land at New Bedford Regional Airport, which is approximately four miles northeast of the crash site.

Media News Source reports that eyewitness video footage captured the scene, showing several parts of the aircraft engulfed in flames in the highway median. Social media updates also depicted at least one vehicle that sustained damage as a result of the crash. In addition to the fatalities among the plane’s occupants, one person on the ground was injured, although their identity and condition have not been disclosed.

Authorities have indicated that the pilots of the aircraft failed to establish communication with the airport regarding their flight plan or provide information about the number of individuals on board prior to the crash. As a precautionary measure, Interstate 195 was closed in both directions for approximately three miles, with local officials advising that the roadway would remain closed for several hours to facilitate the investigation and cleanup.

The ill-fated flight occurred amid severe weather conditions affecting the Northeast region. A nor’easter that began impacting the area on Sunday continued through Monday, bringing with it persistent rain, strong winds gusting up to 60 miles per hour, and extensive cloud cover. This weather system not only posed challenges for general aviation but also resulted in widespread delays and cancellations for commercial flights at major airports across the Northeast.

State and local law enforcement agencies, along with aviation safety officials, are expected to undertake a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The results of this inquiry will aim to provide clarity on why the pilots did not make contact with the airport and whether the adverse weather played a significant role in the crash.

This tragic event underscores the inherent risks associated with aviation, particularly under adverse meteorological conditions. As authorities continue their investigation, the focus will remain on understanding the factors that contributed to this unfortunate accident and enhancing safety measures to prevent future occurrences.