UPDATE: A wrong-way driver has caused a tragic crash on the Lowell Connector early this morning, resulting in one fatality and multiple charges against the driver. The incident occurred shortly after 1:15 a.m. near Exit 5A, sending shockwaves through the community.
State Police report that Derek Witzenman, 29, of Woburn, was traveling outbound in the inbound lanes when he collided with another vehicle. Emergency responders quickly transported the driver and passenger of the second vehicle to Lowell General Hospital. Due to the severity of their injuries, both were subsequently airlifted to a Boston-area hospital for advanced medical care. Unfortunately, the driver succumbed to their injuries, and authorities are withholding their identity until family notification.
In a statement following the incident, police expressed their condolences:
“The State Police offers our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim.”
Witzenman was arrested at the scene. He faces multiple charges, including operating under the influence and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. He is set to be arraigned in Lowell District Court later today.
The investigation is ongoing, with the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the Crime Scene Services Section, and the Middlesex State Police Detective Unit actively involved. As a result of the crash, all inbound travel lanes near Exit 5A were closed until 4 a.m., significantly affecting morning traffic.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis, or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social.
