LOWELL, Mass. — A devastating wrong-way crash on the Lowell Connector early Wednesday morning has left one person dead and another fighting for their life, in what police are describing as a preventable tragedy fueled by alcohol.
Authorities say the suspected wrong-way driver, identified as 29-year-old Derek Witzenman of Woburn, was allegedly intoxicated when he drove his vehicle northbound in the southbound lanes of the Connector around 2:30 a.m. The Massachusetts State Police received multiple 911 calls reporting a car traveling the wrong way moments before the collision occurred.
Investigators say Witzenman’s vehicle slammed head-on into another car carrying two occupants. The impact was described as “catastrophic,” leaving the vehicles mangled and strewn across the highway. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but one victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The other, whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification, was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Witzenman was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Preliminary toxicology reports indicate that alcohol impairment is believed to have been a significant factor in the crash. Police say he is expected to face multiple charges, including motor vehicle homicide while under the influence, operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
The Lowell Connector was shut down for several hours as state troopers, accident reconstruction teams, and crime scene investigators worked to piece together the sequence of events. Skid marks, debris, and shattered glass covered the roadway well into the morning as traffic was diverted to alternate routes.
Authorities expressed deep frustration over the senselessness of the crash. “This is another example of how one person’s reckless decision to drink and drive can destroy multiple lives in an instant,” said a Massachusetts State Police spokesperson. “This was 100% preventable.”
Neighbors in Woburn who knew Witzenman expressed shock at the news, describing him as quiet and friendly but noting recent struggles in his personal life. Friends and family of the victims, meanwhile, are reeling from the sudden loss and praying for the survivor’s recovery.
By late Wednesday afternoon, investigators had removed both vehicles from the scene, but the emotional wreckage remains. Authorities continue to urge drivers to make responsible choices, reminding the public that rideshares, taxis, and designated drivers can prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
The name of the deceased victim has not yet been made public, pending notification of next of kin. The investigation into the fatal wrong-way crash remains active and ongoing.
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