A heartbreaking accident on Route 18 North has left the New Bedford community mourning the loss of a young woman and rallying around her injured sister. Authorities say 23-year-old Ruby Alexandra Quiroa Santos was killed after being struck by a vehicle Friday night, Jan. 30, 2026, while her car was disabled along the highway. Her sister, Selina, was critically injured in the same incident and remains hospitalized in stable condition.

According to Massachusetts State Police, troopers responded around 9:15 p.m. to the northbound lanes of Route 18 near the Hillman Street on-ramp. Snow partially covered the left lane, creating hazardous conditions. Quiroa Santos had been driving a 2020 Toyota Camry when the vehicle became disabled. A 2018 Audi A4 carrying multiple occupants stopped to help, followed by two New Bedford Police Ford Explorers with emergency lights activated to secure the scene.

As Ruby and Selina walked toward the Audi, a northbound 2018 Honda Accord struck both sisters, the Audi, and one of the police cruisers. Ruby was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead the following day, Jan. 31. Several others involved in the crash sustained minor injuries and were expected to recover.

The investigation is being led by Massachusetts State Police in collaboration with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. No charges have been announced at this time.