Jonathan Welch and Joel Costa Obituary: Two Killed in Fiery I-295 Head-On Crash in Cumberland, Rhode Island

Jonathan Welch, 44, of Norton, Massachusetts, and Joel Costa, 29, of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, have been identified as the two men killed in a violent multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 295 North in Cumberland. The Thursday afternoon collision involved three vehicles and resulted in a fire that complicated emergency rescue efforts.

Rhode Island State Police said the crash happened at approximately 3:31 p.m. near the Mendon Road overpass. A Dodge Ram 1500, Hyundai Ioniq and Acura ADX were involved.

Costa, who was driving the Hyundai, died at the scene, while Welch, the driver of the Dodge Ram, was taken to a hospital and later died from his injuries.

Joel Costa Killed at Scene of I-295 Crash

Joel Costa was driving the Hyundai Ioniq when the head-on collision occurred.

The 29-year-old became trapped inside the vehicle following the impact. Emergency crews responded to extricate those involved as the Hyundai began smoldering.

Because the Hyundai was an electric vehicle, the developing fire presented an additional challenge for firefighters. Crews worked to reach Costa and the driver of the Dodge before the Hyundai eventually became fully engulfed in flames.

Despite the emergency response, Costa was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jonathan Welch Dies From Crash Injuries

Jonathan Welch was behind the wheel of the Dodge Ram 1500 involved in the collision.

The 44-year-old Norton resident also became trapped inside his vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency responders.

Welch was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died from the injuries he suffered in the crash.

The deaths of both men turned the Thursday afternoon collision into a double-fatality investigation.

What Led to the Cumberland I-295 Accident?

Preliminary information released by Rhode Island State Police provides a clearer picture of how the collision may have unfolded.

Witnesses reportedly told investigators that the Hyundai was traveling at a high rate of speed on the southbound side of I-295 and had been passing vehicles through the grassy median.

Investigators believe the Hyundai subsequently veered left, entered the median and struck the center guardrail. It then crossed into the northbound lanes of the interstate, where it collided head-on with Welch’s Dodge Ram.

The force of the impact caused the pickup truck to overturn onto its passenger side.

The Dodge then sideswiped an Acura ADX traveling in the area. The Acura sustained minor damage and ultimately came to rest in the right breakdown lane.

The Dodge and Hyundai stopped in the left lane of I-295 North.

Police Release Seat Belt Information

Rhode Island State Police reported that neither Jonathan Welch nor Joel Costa was wearing a seat belt when the collision occurred.

However, the investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released a final determination regarding every factor that contributed to the crash.

Information gathered from witnesses and evidence from the scene will likely form part of the continuing investigation into how and why the Hyundai crossed into the northbound lanes.

Jonathan Welch and Joel Costa Cause of Death

Both men’s deaths resulted from injuries sustained in the I-295 collision.

Costa suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Welch survived the initial impact but later died after being transported to Rhode Island Hospital.

Further medical details concerning their injuries have not been provided in the information available.

Rhode Island State Police Continue Investigation

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by Rhode Island State Police.

Investigators are working to establish a complete sequence of events, including the Hyundai’s movements before it entered the median and crossed into opposing traffic.

The preliminary findings may be updated as investigators review additional evidence and witness information.

Funeral, visitation and memorial arrangements for Jonathan Welch and Joel Costa have not been provided in the available information. Those details may be announced separately by their families.

The deaths of Jonathan Welch and Joel Costa have left their families, friends and communities mourning two lives lost in a devastating Cumberland highway collision.

Condolences are extended to the Welch and Costa families and everyone affected by Thursday’s tragedy.

Disclaimer

This article is based on information available at the time of publication. Details concerning the I-295 crash, including the sequence of events, speed, seat belt use and other circumstances, reflect preliminary information attributed to Rhode Island State Police and may be updated as the investigation continues. Official cause-of-death findings, funeral arrangements and any additional conclusions regarding the collision should be confirmed through appropriate authorities, family representatives or other authorized sources.