Police Investigating Multi-Car Crash in New Bedford

Incident occurred on Route 18 near Purchase Street on-ramp on Friday night.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Police in New Bedford, Massachusetts are investigating a multi-car crash that occurred on Route 18 near the Purchase Street on-ramp on Friday night. Four damaged vehicles, including a New Bedford police cruiser, were spotted at the scene, but it remains unclear what caused the incident or if anyone was injured.

Why it matters

Multi-vehicle crashes on major highways can cause significant traffic disruptions and raise concerns about public safety. The involvement of a police vehicle also adds an additional layer of complexity to the investigation.

The details

According to the report, 12 News spotted four damaged cars on the highway, including a New Bedford police cruiser. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, and it is unclear if any injuries resulted from the incident.

  • The crash occurred on Friday night on Route 18 near the Purchase Street on-ramp in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

The players

New Bedford Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the multi-car crash on Route 18.

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What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash and any potential injuries.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of safe driving practices and the potential risks associated with multi-vehicle collisions on major highways, which can disrupt traffic and raise public safety concerns.