Wrong-way crash on turnpike leads to 4-vehicle collision, DWI arrest

Scene of Sunday night wrong-way crash in Nashua. (NHSP photo)

NASHUA - A motorist driving the wrong way while drunk on the F.E. Everett Turnpike on Sunday led to a four-vehicle crashing, including a motorcyclist who sustained serious injuries.
The wrong-way motorist was reported to police around 8:35 p.m. Initial reports indicated that a vehicle entered the highway
the wrong way from the Circumferential Highway, where it continued traveling northbound in the southbound lane.
As Troopers were responding to the area additional calls were received, reporting that multiple vehicles had been involved in a collision with a vehicle driving the wrong way in the area immediately north of Exit 4.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2010 Ford Focus driven by Dilceneia Mezabarba, 51, of Nashua, was traveling the wrong way when it collided with a Kia Sorento just north of Exit 4. Mezabarba was able to continue for a short distance before coming to a stop in the middle of the highway.
As this collision occurred, a motorcycle was forced to maneuver to avoid colliding with Mezabarba's vehicle resulting in another collision with a fourth vehicle.
The operator of the motorcycle was identified as Patrick Ferguson, 38, of Nashua. Ferguson was transported to an area hospital to be treated for what were described as serious but non-life threatening injuries. No other motorists sustained injury.
Mezabarba was arrested by Troopers and is facing charges of felony aggravated DWI and felony reckless conduct.
The Turnpike was closed for about two hours while troopers and other emergency personnel investigated and cleaned up the scene.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is being asked to contact Trooper Jonathan Janosz at (603) 227-0039 or Jonathan.M.Janosz@dos.nh.gov.