Massachusetts State Police trooper and wrong-way driver killed in crash on Route 1 in Lynnfield
A Massachusetts State Police trooper and a wrong-way driver were killed in a crash on Route 1 north in Lynnfield early Wednesday morning.
The governor and the head of the state police will hold a news conference at the Danvers barracks at 11:30 a.m. You can watch it live on CBS News Boston in the embedded video when it starts.
According to police, the wrong-way driver was heading south in the northbound lanes around 2 a.m. and crashed into a "responding State Police cruiser."
The wrong-way driver died at the scene. The trooper was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston with life-threatening injuries and later died.
"With the most profound sadness and deepest condolences to his family, classmates, and loved ones, the Massachusetts State Police can confirm that the Trooper struck in this morning's wrong-way crash has succumbed to his injuries." State Police spokesman Tim McGuirk said in a statement.
"Further information about this incident, including the identity of the Trooper, will be available at a media availability later today following the appropriate family notifications."
The wrong-way driver has not been identified yet by police.
Several state troopers have gathered outside Mass General where they're expected to escort the fallen trooper in a four-mile procession from Charles Street to the state medical examiner's office on Albany Street in Boston.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said she was "heartbroken" by the trooper's tragic death.
"The Trooper was responding to reports of a wrong-way driver and put himself in harm's way to protect others. This act of service and courage is what our State Police are called to do every day. They show up ready to face danger so the rest of us can be safe. Today, Massachusetts is mourning one of those heroes," Healey said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with the Trooper's family, loved ones, and with fellow members of the State Police during this incredibly difficult time."
Route 1 north was closed at Walnut Street in Saugus for about six hours after the crash. Drivers were urged to avoid the area during the morning commute.
Both vehicles, a Jeep and an SUV, had been towed away from the scene by 8 a.m. All northbound lanes of Route 1 re-opened minutes later.
No other information is available at this point in the investigation. Stay tuned to CBS News Boston all day for updates.
Lynnfield, Massachusetts is 17 miles north of Boston.
