Police Say 'Alcohol' Was Not a Factor in Fatal Mt. Hope Bridge Crash

State Police say "alcohol" was not a factor in a head-on crash that resulted in the death of a Barrington man and injured several others Saturday night. 

Paul L. Matthews, 63, of Heritage Road, Barrington, died Saturday night after a head-on collision occurred on the Mt. Hope Bridge. 

Warren resident Lenor C. Andrade and Portsmouth residents James and Ann Hitchen, and John and Susan Kelchner were also injured during the major crash. None of their injuries are considered life-threatening. 

State Police Capt. Frank B. Castellone says alcohol was not a factor in the crash, but police are looking into whether distracted driving or a medical issue was the cause. 

"The investigation is not complete," Castellone said. "We are awaiting the report from the Medical Examiner's Office. We are looking into whether there was a medical issue."  

The GMC van, operated by Matthews, swerved to the left and struck another vehicle head-on, according to The Providence Journal. Matthews was not wearing a seatbelt at the time, according to the article. 

The crash remains under investigation by the State Police. 

Motorists were directed to find alternate routes Saturday night after police closed Mt. Hope Bridge to all traffic following this serious motor vehicle crash. 

The bridge was closed to traffic around 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Motorists were directed to take Route 24 to I-195 through Fall River, MA, as a detour to Bristol. 

Mt. Hope Bridge was re-opened to traffic around 10:30 p.m. Saturday.