Police: Two killed in Portsmouth accident Friday night

PORTSMOUTH — A 90-year-old Portsmouth woman and a 59-year-old Little Compton died as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident that took place Friday night, Nov. 11.

According to Portsmouth Detective Lt. Michael C. Arnold, police responded to West Main Road across from the Raytheon complex at about 8:12 p.m. Friday for a report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries

Upon officers’ arrival they observed two vehicles in the roadway. A preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle driven by Houston Smith, 20, of Jamaica Plain, Mass., was traveling south when he crossed the double yellow lane divider and collided with an oncoming vehicle traveling north.

Mr. Smith, the sole occupant in his vehicle, was extricated by the Portsmouth Fire Department and taken to Newport Hospital. He was later transferred to Rhode Island Hospital due to his injuries, Lt. Arnold said.

The three vehicles of the other vehicle were also extricated by Portsmouth firefighters and taken to Newport Hospital, but two of them succumbed to their injuries, police said. 

The driver of the vehicle, a 58-year-old Little Compton woman, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of her injuries. 

Anyone who witnessed the accident are asked to contact the Portsmouth Police Detective Division at 401/683-0994 or the general line at 401/683-0300.

The accident remains under investigation.