Wrong-Way Horror on I-495 in Chelmsford Injures 3

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Massachusetts State Police from the Concord Barracks responded to a violent two-car crash on I-495 South near the Hunt Road overpass shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday. Preliminary investigation revealed a wrong-way driver traveling north in the southbound lanes struck a vehicle head-on, according to state police and Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan.[1][2] Three victims suffered serious injuries in the collision. The wrong-way driver sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed by ambulance to a trauma center, while one occupant from the other vehicle was airlifted via MedFlight to a hospital and another was transported by ground ambulance to a local facility, Chief Ryan told Boston 25 News.[1][2] No fatalities were reported as of Wednesday morning.[1] The Massachusetts Department of Transportation closed southbound I-495 at Exit 88, with the shutdown expected to last several hours into Wednesday for crash investigation and cleanup. "Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes and avoid the area if possible," MassDOT stated, impacting the busy corridor linking Lowell and routes to Boston.[1][2] Chelmsford Fire and EMS managed the chaotic scene amid rush-hour backups.[1] The incident underscores persistent wrong-way driving risks on I-495, a key artery through Middlesex County. State police continue investigating the cause, with no details yet on impairment or vehicle origins.[1][2]