Jonathan Welch and Joel Costa Obituary, CUMBERLAND, R.I. — Jonathan Welch, 44, of Norton, Massachusetts, and Joel Costa, 29, of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, died following a multi-vehicle head-on collision Thursday afternoon on Interstate 295 North in Cumberland, Rhode Island, according to Rhode Island State Police.
The crash was reported at approximately 3:31 p.m. near the Mendon Road overpass. Responding troopers found three vehicles involved in the collision: a Dodge Ram 1500, a Hyundai Ioniq and an Acura ADX. The crash resulted in fatal injuries to both Welch and Costa.
Costa was identified as the driver of the Hyundai Ioniq. He became trapped inside the vehicle following the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Hyundai, an electric vehicle, began smoldering after the crash, prompting firefighters and rescue crews to work quickly to remove Costa and the driver of the Dodge before the Hyundai became fully engulfed in flames.
Welch was identified as the driver of the Dodge Ram 1500. He was also trapped inside his vehicle and was extricated by emergency responders at the scene. Welch was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment but later died from injuries sustained in the collision.
According to Rhode Island State Police, neither Costa nor Welch was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Investigators also said witnesses reported seeing the Hyundai traveling at a high rate of speed and passing other vehicles through the grassy median on the southbound side of the interstate.
Based on the preliminary investigation, police believe the Hyundai veered to the left, entered the median and struck the center guardrail before crossing into the northbound lanes. The Hyundai then collided head-on with the Dodge Ram. The force of the impact caused the pickup to overturn onto its passenger side before it sideswiped the Acura, which was traveling in the area.
The Dodge and Hyundai ultimately came to rest in the left lane of I-295 North. The Acura was found in the right breakdown lane and sustained minor damage. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by Rhode Island State Police, and additional information may be released as authorities continue their work.
The deaths of Jonathan Welch and Joel Costa mark a tragic loss following the Cumberland collision. Their families and loved ones are left to mourn their deaths as investigators continue working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash. Condolences are extended to all those affected by their passing.
