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CHELMSFORD, Middlesex County, Mass., Oct. 28, 2026 — A driver was hospitalized after a wrong-way crash on Route 3 in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, October 27, authorities said.
Massachusetts State Police said troopers got a call around 11:40 a.m. about a minivan that had crossed the median on Route 3 and was traveling south in the northbound lanes. Callers reported the minivan struck another vehicle before coming to a stop a short distance away, disabled, according to the report.
The driver was taken to a hospital for evaluation. No further details on the person's condition have been released. It is not known whether anyone in the second vehicle was hurt.
State police said the crash remains under investigation. No cause has been confirmed, and no charges have been announced.
We hope everyone involved is okay, and we will share more as details are confirmed.
More on Crashes in Chelmsford, MA
This crash happened on Route 3 in Chelmsford, MA. We cover crashes across Middlesex County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Middlesex County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I see a car going the wrong way on a highway?
Do not try to pass or confront the vehicle. Slow down, move as far right as safely possible, and call 911 with your location and direction of travel so responders can intercept the driver quickly.
How do highways try to keep drivers from entering going the wrong way?
Many interstates and divided highways use lowered "Wrong Way" and "Do Not Enter" signs, reflective pavement markings, and in some areas sensors that alert authorities when a vehicle enters against traffic.
Does alcohol impairment commonly factor into wrong-way crashes?
Impairment is a frequent factor in wrong-way crash investigations nationally, though it has not been confirmed as a cause in this case and remains part of the ongoing review.
Are some roads more prone to wrong-way crashes than others?
Divided highways with limited-access ramps, like Route 3, see more wrong-way incidents than local streets because a driver who misses an exit or enters incorrectly has fewer ways to self-correct before meeting oncoming traffic.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Chelmsford, MA
Get checked by a medical provider even if you feel fine; the adrenaline from a head-on or near head-on impact can mask injuries like whiplash or internal bruising for hours. Take photos of both vehicles, the roadway, and any skid marks if you're able, and get contact information for witnesses while details are fresh. File or confirm a police report number, and keep records of any medical visits, vehicle repair estimates, and missed work tied to the crash. If you're shaken up afterward, that's normal; consider talking to someone, since the stress of a near-miss or crash like this can linger.
