Ruby Quiro Santos Killed in Route 18 Crash in New Bedford, Massachusetts on February 1, 2026

On February 1, 2026, Ruby Quiro Santos, 23, of New Bedford, died following a multi-vehicle crash on Route 18. According to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, the incident occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m. Friday night on the northbound side of the highway, just north of the Hillman Street onramp. Santos had been driving a Toyota Camry when the vehicle became disabled in the left lane, where snow remained partially covering the roadway.

A second vehicle stopped to assist, and two marked New Bedford police Ford Explorers activated their emergency lights to warn approaching traffic. As Santos and another woman walked away from the disabled vehicle toward the assisting Audi A4, a Honda Accord struck them. The impact also involved the Audi and one of the marked police vehicles. All individuals were transported to local hospitals. Santos later died from her injuries. The second woman remains in critical but stable condition, while others involved sustained minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police and the district attorney’s office.