Debris Smashes SUV Windshield on 195; Rochester Man Badly Injured

Massachusetts State Police are investigating a Tuesday afternoon crash on Interstate 195 in New Bedford that resulted in the serious injury of a 69-year-old Rochester man.

Just before 4:30 p.m. a 2003 Ford pickup truck was traveling westbound on the highway when it had mechanical problems that resulted in what is believed to be the transmission sending debris into oncoming traffic, state police said in a media release.

The operator of an eastbound 2011 Mazda Tribute was struck by debris coming through the windshield. The Mazda continued down the road before striking the median barrier. The driver of the Mazda was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

No charges have been filed at this time.

The crash remains under investigation by Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police with assistance from the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and State Police Detective Unit for Bristol County.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by New Bedford and Dartmouth EMS and by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. All lanes were reopened at approximately 7:45 p.m. State police said no further information is being released at this time.