Preliminary investigation released after 28-year-old man, 26-year-old woman thrown from ATV in Rhode Island

CRANSTON, RI – The Cranston Police Department is investigating an overnight ATV crash that seriously injured a passenger on Wellington Avenue.

On Sunday, at just after midnight, Cranston Police officers responded to Wellington Avenue, just north of the Route 10 overpass, for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving an all-terrain vehicle.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2014 Honda TRX 450R ATV was traveling northbound on Wellington Avenue with a 28-year-old Providence man operating the vehicle and a 26-year-old Cranston woman riding as a passenger.

Investigators determined that the ATV entered a section of Wellington Avenue that was closed to vehicular traffic due to ongoing bridge construction associated with Route 10. The ATV subsequently traveled back toward the area of the road closure and struck a road-closed sign, along with several traffic barrels and other roadway markers placed across the southbound lane. The impact caused both occupants to be thrown from the ATV.

The passenger sustained serious head injuries, including a large laceration to the back of her head. She was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where she remains hospitalized. She sustained severe head trauma and a brain bleed and is currently listed in critical condition.

The operator was also transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and was subsequently released.

Neither the operator or passenger was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The ATV did not have functioning headlights.

The crash occurred within a clearly established road-closure area associated with bridge construction on Route 10. Investigators are continuing to examine the conditions at the scene, including lighting, roadway barriers and signage, and the ATV itself. The Cranston Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to photograph the scene and collect evidence. Investigators are also attempting to obtain surveillance footage from a portable construction-site camera located near the crash.

At this time, there is no indication that alcohol or impairment was a factor in the crash.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Charges are anticipated pending completion of the investigation and consultation with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, as appropriate.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant video or information is asked to contact the Cranston Police Department Traffic Unit at (401) 942-2211 or anonymously by texting the keyword CRANSTONPD to 847411.