UPDATE: A tragic wrong-way crash on the Lowell Connector early this morning has left one person dead and another facing serious charges, including drunk driving. Authorities confirm that at approximately 1:15 a.m., Derek Witzenman, 29, from Woburn, was driving outbound in the inbound lanes near Exit 5A when the collision occurred.
Emergency responders rushed the driver and passenger of the other vehicle to Lowell General Hospital. Due to the severity of their injuries, both were airlifted to a Boston-area hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, the driver succumbed to their injuries, although their identity remains undisclosed pending family notification.
The Massachusetts State Police expressed their condolences, stating, “The State Police offers our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim.”
Witzenman was arrested at the scene and faces multiple charges, including operating under the influence and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. He is scheduled to be arraigned today in Lowell District Court.
The investigation is ongoing, led by the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, alongside the Crime Scene Services Section and the Middlesex State Police Detective Unit. Inbound travel lanes near Exit 5A were closed for several hours, reopening around 4 a.m. as authorities worked to clear the scene.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available. Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis, or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social.
