Thomas Perkins (68) and his wife, Agatha Perkins (66) of Rhode Island were identified as the victims of Monday’s small plane crash in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

Thomas Perkins, 68 and his wife, Agatha Perkins, 66, were identified as the victims of the plane crash in Dartmouth, Massachusetts on Monday by the Bristol County District Attorney. The couple, from Middleton in Rhode Island, were killed after the small plane they were in crashed in Dartmouth earlier on Monday.

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The FAA revealed that the aircraft involved in the crash was a fixed-wing single-engine Socata TBM 700. It fell on the Interstate 95 passing through Dartmouth on Monday afternoon at around 8:00 a.m. local time on Monday. It had left the New Bedford and was on the way to Wisconsin, where it was supposed to land at 10:13 a.m.

The crash caused a massive fire on the highway as the plane burst into flames, and led to severe traffic disruption. Additionally, a car on the highway was impacted by the crash, leaving one person in the vehicle injured.

Who Were Thomas And Agatha Perkins?

In their late sixties, Thomas and Agatha Perkins were an influential Rhode Island couple. On their death, a local news outlet, Newport News, wrote: “The Aquidneck Island community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Tom and Aggie Perkins, a beloved couple whose kindness, generosity, and spirit touched countless lives across Aquidneck Island.”

According to their Bristol County DA’s office their body was found in the airplane’s main part. They were pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.

Also read: Dartmouth plane crash: 2 dead after small aircraft bursts into flames, shuts down highway

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Dartmouth Plane Crash Cause: What We Know So Far

As of now, the cause of the crash is not known. The National Transport Safety Board is probing the incident, having confirmed that the plane had left the New Bedford Airport. Notably, there were strong winds and rain in New Bedford when the plane. Massachusetts State Police released a statement saying that after departing from the airport, the plane may have attempted to land back.

However, the FAA and NTSB have not confirmed yet if bad weather caused the plane to crash on I-95.

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Potentially dangerous wind and heavy rain are expected to batter the Rhode Island coast overnight and through the beginning of the week as a nor’easter makes its way toward the state, according to authorities.

Total rainfall amounts of 2-3 inches are expected through Tuesday, according to an area forecast discussion by the National Weather Service.

A gale warning is in effect until 2 p.m. Monday for Narragansett Bay.

“Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility,” according to the warning from the weather service.

Wind gusts could be over 40 mph Sunday night and Monday, the service reported.

Additionally, a coastal flood advisory will be in effect from midnight through 4 a.m. Monday for Washington and Newport counties, with up to a foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, according to the weather service. Flooding is expected in lots and parks, and on roads, with isolated closures anticipated.

Below is the weather service’s full forecast for Narragansett Pier:

Sunday night: Rain. Low around 54 degrees. Breezy, with a northeast wind 20-22 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and 1 inch possible.

Monday: Rain before 2 p.m., then rain and possibly a thunderstorm between 2-5 p.m., then rain after 5 p.m. High near 62 degrees. Breezy, with a northeast wind 20-23 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday night: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 8 p.m. Low around 53 degrees. Northeast wind 14-16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tuesday: Showers. High near 62 degrees. North wind 15-17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.