6 Killed In 2 Wrong-Way Accidents In Connecticut: Reports

CONNECTICUT — A total of six people were killed in two wrong-way motor vehicle accidents that were minutes apart early Saturday morning.

Charde Monet Spates, 21, of Liberty Street in New Haven, was driving a Toyota Camry the wrong-way southbound in the left lane in the northbound lanes of I-91 in Meriden at 2:26 a.m., state police said.

Judith Melvin-levy, 50, of Windsor, was driving a 2012 BMW northbound in the left lane. Both vehicles were involved in a head-on collision between exits 17 and 18, state police.

Both Spates and Melvin-levy were pronounced dead at the scene, state police said. A passenger in the BMW suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Hartford Hospital.

Any witness to the collision is asked to contact Trooper Pelletier #648, Connecticut State Police Troop I, at 203.393.4200 or david.pelletier2@ct.gov. State police said if you have video footage of the accident to also contact Pelletier. This accident remains under investigation.

And 20 minutes later at 2:45 a.m., four people were killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 84 in Hartford. A wrong-way driver was traveling in the tunnel by Exit 51 and several vehicles were involved in that accident, NBC Connecticut reported. The names of the four people killed in that crash has not yet been released.

See also: Man Drove Wrong-Way On Route 8, Charged With DUI: State Police

In a news release, state police said: "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," state police said.

This breaking news story will be updated. Please check back for more updates.