HARTFORD, Conn. — Two separate wrong-way driver crashes have killed six people overnight, state police reported.
The first crash happened around 2:30 a.m on Interstate 91 northbound.
Officials responded to the area of exit 18 in Meriden after reports of a wrong-way driver.
Police say a 2020 Toyota Camry XLE was driving southbound in the northbound lane. State police say the Toyota crashed in a head on collision into a 2012 BMW X5 between exit 17 and 18. A tractor trailer also made contact with the BMW but did not contribute to the crash.
State police said both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.
The passenger of the BMW was taken to the hospital with suspected minor injuries.
Police identified the drivers as 21 year old Charde Spates of New Haven in the Toyota and 50 year old Judith Melvin-Levy of Windsor in the BMW.
Any witnesses are asked to contact Trooper Pelletier of Troop I at 203-393-4200 or david.pelletier2@ct.gov.
As of 6:30 a.m., the area of I-91 is closed on the northbound side between exits 18 and 20.
Around 2:45 a.m., there was another crash involving a wrong-way driver, this time in Hartford.
Police said they were called to the area of exit 51 on Interstate 84 east on the report of the wrong-way driver. The vehicle crashed and police said four people were killed.
As of 6:30 a.m., I-84 east in the area of exit 51 is closed as police investigate.
None of the crash victims have been identified at this time.
State police also arrested another wrong-way driver in Seymour. Police said just after 3 a.m., they received calls of a car driving the wrong way on Route 8 south. Seymour officers managed to pull the driver over.
He was given field sobriety tests and was charged with driving under the influence and driving the wrong way on a highway. No injuries were reported.
Later Saturday morning, state police issued a statement regarding the crashes and how drivers can be proactive in reporting seeing dangerous situations"
"The issue of wrong way drivers is one that is not unique to our State. It is a battle that is faced nationwide and unfortunately is not something new. When calls are received reporting wrong way drivers, State Police respond swiftly as we fully recognize the imminent danger involved.
In general, contributing factors that lead to wrong way drivers are not limited to those who are impaired, they can also involve those experiencing mental crisis, disoriented drivers who may be experiencing the effects of illness, and even severe weather conditions that can limit visibility. Wrong way drivers are often identified by Troopers who encounter them on patrol traveling the highway as well as members of the public who report them through 911.
We urge the public to continue to call 911 immediately when they witness these drivers on the roadway. Helping your loved ones manage their mental and physical health and evaluating driving capabilities to determine if maintaining an operator’s license is appropriate, pulling over and calling 911 if you fall ill while driving, avoiding travel in severe weather conditions, and having a designated driver or using a share ride service are all ways that can help contribute to preventing these occurrences."
This is a developing story.
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
