In a devastating incident on Friday evening, a young man lost his life and a woman sustained life-threatening injuries in a crash on a bridge in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, according to authorities. The Dartmouth police reported that the accident occurred at approximately 10:35 p.m. near the intersection of Gulf and Smith Neck roads.

The collision took place on the Padanaram Bridge, which spans Gulf Road over the Apponagansett Bay. First responders arrived at the scene to find the victims, a man and a woman, both of whom had been ejected from their vehicle. The heavily damaged car was identified as a 2022 Honda Accord.

Tragically, the young man, identified as 18-year-old Jacob Pothier from New Bedford, did not survive the crash. He was pronounced dead at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, where he had been transported following the incident. Meanwhile, the woman involved in the collision, 44-year-old Kathleen Martins from Dartmouth, suffered critical injuries and is currently in guarded condition at the hospital, as detailed by the police.

The Dartmouth Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, along with detectives from the Dartmouth Police Department and Massachusetts State Police, are diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine its cause. They are meticulously collecting evidence and conducting thorough examinations of the scene to provide a comprehensive understanding of the tragic incident.

This heartbreaking accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, and authorities urge all drivers to remain cautious and attentive while operating their vehicles. Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy, and we hope for a swift and thorough investigation to bring about clarity and justice.