Fatal Car Crash/ Apartment Fire in Fall River

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office

Thomas M. Quinn III

District Attorney​

Press Release

January 1, 2019

Police and fire officials are currently investigating a fatal car crash that apparently caused an apartment fire in Fall River this morning.

Fall River Police received 911 calls around 9:40 a.m. today to report that a vehicle crashed into the Four Winds Apartments at 5500 North Main Street.  The one car crash appears to have set off a fire at the apartment complex.

When rescue personnel arrived, they located a 72-year-old Fall River woman deceased inside the vehicle. A second occupant of the vehicle was rushed the Rhode Island Hospital and is currently in critical condition.  The surviving victim has yet to be identified, and we are withholding the deceased victims identity until next of kin notification can be made.  Once her identity can be released, this office will send out a follow up media advisory.

Fall River Fire officials, with the assistance of other area fire departments, were able to extinguish the fire at the apartment complex although the building did sustain damage from the blaze.  At this time, it appears that no occupants of the apartment building were injured during the incident.  However, fire officials are still clearing the scene at this time. 

The crash and fire remain under active investigation at this time, and no further information is available for public dissemination.  It does not appear, at this time, that foul play is suspected.