UPDATE: A tragic wrong-way crash on the Lowell Connector early this morning has left one person dead and another facing multiple charges, including drunk driving. State Police report that Derek Witzenman, 29, from Woburn, was driving outbound in the inbound lanes near Exit 5A shortly after 1:15 a.m. when the collision occurred.
Authorities confirmed that first responders rushed the driver and passenger of the second vehicle to Lowell General Hospital. Both individuals were subsequently airlifted to a Boston-area hospital for urgent medical treatment. Tragically, the driver succumbed to their injuries. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending family notification.
In a statement, 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 and faces serious charges: operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, among others. He is expected to be arraigned today in Lowell District Court.
Authorities had to close all inbound travel lanes near Exit 5A due to the accident, affecting traffic until around 4 a.m.. The investigation is ongoing, spearheaded by the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the Crime Scene Services Section, and the Middlesex State Police Detective Unit.
As this story develops, stay tuned for more updates. Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social for the latest information.
