OUI Route 3 Crash Kills N.H. Man: Police

CHELMSFORD, MA — One man is dead and another under arrest after what police said was three-vehicle crash that involved a drunk driver early Sunday morning on Route 3.

The crash occurred around 1:24 a.m. in the northbound lanes, just past Exit 32. Police said a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta driven by a Nashua, N.H., man rear-ended a 1996 Toyota Camry driven by a 63-year-old Hudson, N.H., man. The Jetta became disabled in the middle lane, while the Camry came to a stop across the right and break lane, perpendicular to the direction of travel.

A 2006 Jeep Cherokee driven by a 28-year-old Lowell man traveling in the middle lane swerved to his right to avoid the Jetta, crashing into the Camry. The driver of the Camry was taken to Lowell General Hospital, where he died.

The two other drivers were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Police said the Christopher Thompson, 38, who was driving the Jetta, was drunk. He was charged OUI alcohol causing serious bodily injury, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and a state highway traffic violation. He made $5,000 bail and will be arraigned in Lowell District Court this week.

The driver of the Cherokee has not been charged.

Police are still investigating the crash, and upgraded or additional charges are possible.

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