Connecticut State Police have identified the two people who were killed during an early morning crash on Interstate 91 in Meriden.
State police responded to a report of a wrong-way driver on I-91 Saturday morning.
The car was traveling in the wrong direction on I-91 North just before 2:30 a.m., according to police.
Moments later, police received a report the wrong-way vehicle was involved in a crash with other vehicles in the area of exit 18.
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Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.
Police have identified them as 21-year-old Charde Monet Spates of New Haven and 50-year-old Judith Melvin-Levy of Windsor.
This was the first of two fatal wrong-way crashes on Connecticut highways early Saturday morning.
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State police issued a statement about wrong-way crashes in the state:
"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."
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Trooper Pelletier at 203-393-4200 or by email at david.pelletier2@ct.gov.
If you have dashboard cam footage, police would like to speak with you.
The accident remains under investigation.
