Chelmsford, MA (May 21, 2026) – A wrong-way driver caused a multi-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon on Route 3 in Chelmsford, leaving one person hurt.
The chain-reaction happened around 4:20 p.m. during heavy afternoon traffic. According to preliminary information, a driver crossed the median and traveled south in the northbound lanes of Route 3 before striking several vehicles.
Dashcam footage captured the frightening moments leading up to the head-on contact. Emergency units arrived shortly afterward and assisted the people involved.
One person was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The identities of those involved have not yet been released.
Traffic delays stretched through the highway corridor while damaged vehicles were removed and travel lanes were cleared. Additional details about the sequence of the crash had not been made public as of Thursday morning.
State police continue to review the circumstances surrounding the wreck. We hope those harmed in this collision make a full and timely recovery.
How Wrong-Way Highway Crashes Often Lead to Severe Damage
Wrong-way driving collisions are among the most dangerous roadway emergencies because vehicles approach each other at highway speeds with little time to react. Even when traffic is moderate, drivers may only have a few seconds to avoid contact once another vehicle enters opposing lanes.
Median crossings can happen for several reasons, including driver confusion, distraction, medical episodes, or impaired driving. On divided highways, these crashes often involve multiple vehicles because nearby drivers attempt sudden evasive maneuvers during fast-moving traffic conditions.
Video footage from dash cameras or nearby vehicles can later help clarify how the sequence unfolded. Investigators may also review roadway markings, median barriers, and vehicle damage patterns to better understand how a driver entered the wrong side of the highway.
