Cumberland, RI (April 22, 2026) – A pedestrian died Tuesday night, April 21, after being struck by multiple vehicles on I-295 North near Exit 22. The incident occurred along the northbound lanes in Cumberland shortly before 9 p.m.
Emergency units responded to the scene after reports of a person in the roadway. When they arrived, they found a man who had been struck by several passing vehicles. A tow truck was the first to hit him, followed by two additional vehicles traveling on the highway.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary findings indicate he was lying in the roadway before the impacts occurred. No charges or citations have been issued to the drivers involved.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
What Investigators Typically Review in Multi-Vehicle Highway Pedestrian Crashes
When a pedestrian is struck on a highway, early attention usually focuses on how and when the person entered the roadway. Investigators often look at traffic flow, lighting conditions, and visibility at the time of the incident. These details help establish a basic timeline of events.
Vehicle positions and impact points are also reviewed to understand how each collision occurred. Damage patterns can help reconstruct movement across lanes. On highways, even small visibility issues can affect reaction time for drivers traveling at speed.
Roadway design and nearby exits or ramps may also be examined. These features can influence driver attention and pedestrian movement, especially in low-light conditions or areas with fast-moving traffic.
