A tragic wrong-way crash on the Braga Bridge Thursday night claimed the life of 69-year-old Gail Lopes of Tiverton, Massachusetts. Lopes was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 195 East when she collided with another vehicle. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Lopes did not survive her injuries. Her untimely death has left both the Tiverton and Somerset communities heartbroken as friends, family, and local residents struggle to comprehend the chain of events that led to such a devastating loss.
The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on the busy stretch of I-195 East that connects Fall River and Somerset. Authorities report that Lopes drove her Toyota sedan in the wrong direction after entering the Somerset side of the bridge. Moments later, she collided with two cars that were traveling in the correct direction. Both drivers in those vehicles sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The wrong-way situation posed a serious risk to all drivers on the bridge, especially given the heavy traffic and limited visibility at the time.
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Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III confirmed that three vehicles were involved in the crash. First responders arrived quickly at the scene, which was chaotic due to the unexpected nature of the collision. Dramatic video footage shared with ABC6 showed several drivers swerving to avoid the wrong-way vehicle, highlighting the danger and how narrowly more severe consequences were avoided. The video also illustrated how suddenly the situation developed, adding to the sense of urgency that emergency crews faced.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies worked together to secure the bridge, treat the injured, and manage the traffic backup that followed. State troopers, local police, firefighters, and EMS teams spent hours documenting evidence and clearing debris from the scene. The bridge remained partially closed for several hours as vehicles were towed and the area was cleared.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash. Massachusetts State Police are reviewing witness statements, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence to determine why Lopes was traveling in the wrong direction. As the investigation unfolds, community members have expressed their condolences to the Lopes family, while officials are reminding drivers to stay alert and report any dangerous behavior on the roads.
The sudden and tragic nature of this crash serves as a somber reminder of the risks on the road and the importance of vigilance while driving.