Copyright MassLive
A 29-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday morning after police say he caused a fatal crash on the Lowell Connector by driving the wrong way while under the influence of alcohol. Massachusetts State Police responded to the crash at around 1:15 a.m. Wednesday, the agency said in a statement. Troopers determined a wrong-way driver traveling outbound in inbound lanes caused the crash, according to the statement. The driver, identified as Derek Witzenman, 29, of Woburn, was arrested on several charges, including operating under the influence of liquor and negligent operation. Witzenman is expected to be arraigned in Lowell District Court on Wednesday. First responders took the driver and passenger of the other car involved in the crash to Lowell General Hospital to be flown to Boston via medical helicopter. The driver of the car died of their injuries, State Police said. The driver’s name was not immediately released, pending notification of their family. “The State Police offers our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim,” the statement reads. Officials closed all inbound travel lanes on the Lowell Connector near Exit 5A for hours after the crash.
