One of two victims identified in double fatal crash on Route 495 remembered as kind and supportive

The two victims have been identified concerning a fatal crash on Interstate 495 on Thursday afternoon.

According to the Middleborough Fire Department, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Middleborough Fire responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash with serious injuries on I-495 north, near the Cherry Street overpass.

On arrival, crews located a vehicle on fire off the side of the road in the woods. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the flames, and all northbound lanes of the highway were shut down.

An adult male, 70-year-old Cecil Johnson of Wareham, was found outside the vehicle and was pronounced dead on arrival.

An adult female, 68-year-old Rosemarie Dias, also of Wareham, was still inside the vehicle and was also pronounced dead at the scene.

No further injuries were reported.

According to Massachusetts State Police, at 12:58 the left travel lane was opened to traffic. The investigation and clearing of the roadway continued until 4:12, when all travel lanes reopened. 

Coastal Ambulance also assisted at the scene.

Dias was being remembered by those who knew her as kind, supportive, and a friend that was a rare find.

The crash is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police.