Mashpee, MA (May 15, 2026) – Four people were hospitalized after a two-car crash along Route 151 near Old Barnstable Rd in Mashpee late on Wednesday night, May 13. The police said the collision happened shortly after 10 p.m. in the westbound travel lane when one vehicle struck another from behind.
Two heavily damaged vehicles were found along the roadway after emergency units arrived: one car showed severe rear-end damage, while the second had major front-end damage. Video from the site showed one vehicle torn open as crews used mechanical tools to free occupants trapped inside.
According to investigators, four people were traveling in the car that was hit from behind. Two occupants had to be removed from the vehicle before all four were taken to nearby hospitals. One person was later airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the second vehicle was treated at the scene and did not require hospitalization. Names and ages of those involved had not been publicly released at the time of publication.
Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances leading up to the crash. We hope those hurt in the wreck make a full and speedy recovery.
Why Rear-End Collisions on Highways Can Lead to Serious Injuries
Rear-end crashes on highways and major roads often result in severe injuries because of higher travel speeds and reduced reaction time. When one vehicle strikes another from behind, passengers can experience a sudden force that may lead to head, neck, back, or chest trauma. The extent of harm can vary depending on speed, seat belt use, and the size of the vehicles involved.
In many cases, emergency crews must use specialized tools to remove trapped occupants from heavily damaged cars. Road conditions, visibility, driver attention, and following distance are also commonly reviewed after these types of collisions. Medical evaluations may continue for days after the crash, since some symptoms do not appear immediately. Vehicle damage patterns can also provide useful information about how the impact occurred and the level of force involved.
