Family of 2 Killed in Rhode Island Bridge Crash Sue State

Relatives of two people killed in a head-on crash on the Pell Bridge two years ago have sued the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority, accusing it of negligence.

The Providence Journal reports that the lawsuit says the agency, which owns and operates the bridge, failed to install a median barrier to prevent such accidents.

David Darlington, chairman of the authority, said a barrier has been in the works for five years, but has been delayed by engineering issues and the authority’s failure to win federal funding.

He says the barrier needs to be tested in a wind tunnel and the steel beams beneath the bridge are being strengthened.

The lawsuit was filed by the families of the victims, Kathleen Meunier and Kenneth Prior. It seeks an unspecified amount in damages.