Two young men lost their lives in a tragic single-vehicle crash on Interstate 195 West in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on Saturday afternoon, July 26, 2025. The fatal accident occurred at approximately 1:35 p.m. near the Reed Road exit, a busy stretch of highway that quickly became the scene of a devastating incident.
According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn, III, the vehicle involved was a gray 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. Multiple 911 calls alerted Massachusetts State Police troopers to the crash site at mile marker 19.4. Upon arrival, officers found the SUV severely damaged, with the engine dislodged and separated from the rest of the wreckage, underscoring the violent nature of the collision.
Tragically, both male occupants of the vehicle were ejected during the crash. They were immediately transported to a local hospital but were pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The victims were later identified as 19-year-old Kevin Dos Santos Lopes of New Bedford and 18-year-old Amilton De Pina Semedo of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
District Attorney Quinn emphasized that the crash is not considered suspicious. "This single motor vehicle crash is not deemed suspicious," his office stated, assuring the public that there is no indication of foul play.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing and is being conducted jointly by the Massachusetts State Police and troopers assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. Officials are working diligently to piece together the circumstances that led to the tragic event.
The Dartmouth community has been left shaken by the loss of these two young men. Kevin Dos Santos Lopes and Amilton De Pina Semedo were both at the cusp of adulthood, with their lives cut short in a sudden and heartbreaking manner. Their families and friends are mourning, grappling with the shock and grief that such a sudden tragedy brings.
Massachusetts State Police responded swiftly to the multiple emergency calls, highlighting the severity of the crash. The fact that the engine was dislodged from the SUV is a testament to the force of the impact, which likely contributed to the fatal injuries sustained by the occupants.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have yet to release details about potential contributing factors such as speed, weather conditions, or possible mechanical failure. However, the absence of suspicion regarding the crash suggests that it was likely an accident rather than the result of criminal activity.
Interstate 195 is a major artery for the region, and accidents on this stretch can have significant ripple effects on traffic and local safety perceptions. The Reed Road exit, where the crash occurred, is a critical junction for commuters and travelers alike.
As the investigation continues, officials urge drivers to exercise caution on the roads, especially on busy highways like I-195. The sudden loss of Kevin Dos Santos Lopes and Amilton De Pina Semedo serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can be present even on familiar routes.
District Attorney Quinn’s office has committed to providing updates as more information becomes available. For now, the focus remains on supporting the families affected and ensuring a thorough investigation is completed.
In the days following the crash, community members have expressed their condolences and support for the victims’ families. The news outlets covering the story, including Boston 25 News and local Massachusetts media, have been closely following developments, keeping the public informed while respecting the privacy of those grieving.
While the identities of the victims were initially withheld, the announcement of their names has brought a more personal dimension to the tragedy. Kevin Dos Santos Lopes and Amilton De Pina Semedo were more than just statistics; they were young men with lives and futures ahead of them, now remembered through the shock of this fatal accident.
Authorities continue to analyze the crash scene, vehicle condition, and any available witness statements to determine the exact sequence of events. The goal is not only to understand what happened but also to identify any measures that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For now, the Massachusetts State Police and Bristol County District Attorney’s Office remain vigilant in their investigation, working to bring clarity and closure to a heartbreaking event that has rippled through the Dartmouth community and beyond.
As the sun set over Interstate 195 on that fateful Saturday, the lives of two promising young men came to a premature end, leaving a community in mourning and a reminder of the fragility of life on the road.
