Gail Lopes Death News – Massachusetts State Police have released new details, including the identity of the woman who lost her life in a wrong-way crash that took place Thursday night in Somerset. According to officials, the victim has been identified as 69-year-old Gail Lopes of Tiverton. Authorities say she passed away at a local hospital after the incident.
The crash occurred at about 7:45 p.m. on the Braga Bridge, a stretch of Interstate 195 that connects Fall River and Somerset. Investigators say Lopes was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-195 East when her vehicle made contact with another car shortly after entering the Somerset side of the bridge. The situation prompted a large emergency response, as the location and nature of the crash created significant safety concerns for drivers in the area.
The office of Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III provided additional information, noting that first responders located three vehicles involved in the incident once they arrived on scene. The two other cars were traveling in the correct direction on I-195 East when they were impacted by the wrong-way vehicle. Each of the two drivers in those eastbound vehicles was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Authorities said both drivers were alone in their respective vehicles at the time of the collision.
Footage shared with ABC6 by another driver on the bridge showed several cars making sudden evasive movements to avoid the wrong-way vehicle, a Toyota sedan. The video, recorded moments before the collision, captured the chaotic scene as startled drivers attempted to safely move out of the way. The current condition of the individuals seen swerving in the footage has not been confirmed by officials.
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies quickly responded to the bridge following reports of a driver traveling against traffic. Troopers and local police coordinated to secure the area, assist those involved, and manage the heavy traffic backup that formed as a result of the crash. Firefighters and EMS teams provided aid to the injured drivers and transported them for treatment.
Traffic on the bridge was significantly delayed as investigators examined the scene. Reconstruction specialists documented road markings, vehicle positions, and other key factors to better understand how the incident unfolded. The section of the highway was partially closed for several hours while officials worked to clear the roadway and safely remove the vehicles involved.
Authorities are still reviewing the circumstances that led to the wrong-way travel. Investigators will combine physical evidence from the scene with witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and information from responding officers to determine the sequence of events. Officials have not yet shared any conclusions regarding what might have caused the driver to enter the highway in the wrong direction.
The Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office continue to oversee the investigation. Once their review is complete, they are expected to release more information about the factors contributing to the crash.
Community members from both Somerset and Tiverton have expressed condolences for the family of Gail Lopes, and many have also shared appreciation for the first responders who arrived quickly and worked to protect others on the roadway. Local officials have reminded drivers to remain alert, especially during evening hours, and to contact authorities immediately if they observe any vehicle driving unpredictably.
As the investigation continues, state police encourage anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may aid the review to contact them.
