Cranston police investigating fatal head on collision

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) – The Cranston Police Traffic Unit, along with the BCI Unit, are investigating a head-on collision that killed a man Thursday night.

Police responded to the area of 524 Atwood Ave. around 11:26 p.m. for a reported head on collision. Officers arrived on scene to find a 2007 Nissan Sentra that was traveling northbound in the southbound lane had struck a 2012 Mercedes Benz SUV head on that was traveling in the right direction.

The operator of the Nissan was removed by the jaws of life and later died at the hospital. Three occupants in the Mercedes were taken to the hospital with serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

The Nissan operator was identified as Louis A. Costa, 49, of East Providence.

Police say a witness to the accident said the Nissan was traveling on Atwood Ave. on its rim because of a blown front tire. The Nissan then turned around and began traveling the wrong way. The witness also said the Nissan was traveling at a high speed.

Authorities believe alcohol and speed were factors in the crash.