New Bedford, Massachusetts – A late-night crash on Route 18 in New Bedford turned deadly Friday when two people walking away from a disabled vehicle were struck by another car, leaving one woman dead and another critically injured, according to authorities. The incident triggered a multi-vehicle collision that sent several people to area hospitals and shut down part of the roadway as investigators worked through the night.
Incident Overview
The crash occurred around 9:15 p.m. Friday on Route 18 northbound, just north of the Hillman Street on-ramp in New Bedford. Authorities say Ruby Quiro Santos, 23, of New Bedford, was fatally injured after being struck while outside her disabled vehicle. A second woman walking with her was also hit and remains hospitalized with critical but stable injuries.
The incident involved multiple vehicles, including the disabled car, a passing sedan, a vehicle that had stopped to help, and a marked police cruiser.
Timeline of Events
According to an investigation by Massachusetts State Police, Santos had been driving a Toyota Camry when her vehicle became disabled in the left travel lane of Route 18. Officials noted that the roadway had partially snow-covered conditions at the time, which may have affected visibility and traction.
Shortly after the Camry became disabled, an Audi A4 carrying multiple occupants stopped to assist Santos. At the same time, two fully marked New Bedford police Ford Explorers, with emergency lights activated, arrived on scene to warn oncoming traffic and protect those involved.
As Santos and a second woman began walking from the disabled Camry toward the Audi, a Honda Accord traveling northbound struck both pedestrians. The Accord then collided with the Audi and one of the marked police vehicles, escalating the incident into a multi-car crash.
Details From Police and Officials
All individuals involved were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment. Santos succumbed to her injuries on Saturday, one day after the crash. The second woman struck outside the vehicle remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
Other individuals involved in the crash suffered minor injuries, or are expected to make full recoveries, according to officials. No additional fatalities were reported.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Santos’ death and said the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under review. Authorities have not released the identity of the Honda Accord driver, nor have they announced whether criminal charges will be filed.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” officials said, noting that further details will be released as they become available.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Victim: Ruby Quiro Santos, 23, of New Bedford
- Time: Around 9:15 p.m. Friday
- Location: Route 18 northbound, north of Hillman Street on-ramp
- Vehicles involved: Toyota Camry, Audi A4, Honda Accord, New Bedford police Ford Explorer
- Road conditions: Partially snow-covered
- Outcome: 1 fatality, 1 critically injured, others with minor injuries
According to a statement released by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, state police assigned to the district attorney’s office are working alongside local authorities to reconstruct the crash and determine contributing factors.
Additional Context: Roadside Dangers and Visibility Risks
This incident highlights the significant dangers drivers and pedestrians face when vehicles become disabled on high-speed roadways, especially during winter weather conditions. Limited visibility, slick pavement, and sudden stops can leave little reaction time for approaching drivers.
Safety experts advise motorists to remain inside their vehicles when possible if stranded on busy roads, activate hazard lights immediately, and move to a safe location away from traffic if exiting the vehicle is unavoidable. Police also recommend using reflective gear and standing behind guardrails whenever available.
Conclusion
The fatal crash on Route 18 underscores how quickly roadside emergencies can escalate, even when help arrives promptly. As investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision, the New Bedford community is left mourning the loss of a young life and hoping for the recovery of the injured survivor.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact authorities.
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