SALEM — Two people died in a five-car crash that occurred Wednesday night on Highland Avenue.
Salem Police Lt. Matthew Desmond said the crash happened near 347 Highland Ave. at approximately 4:30 p.m.
A driver was traveling in the wrong direction on Highland Avenue, and crashed their vehicle into oncoming traffic, Desmond said.
Desmond said two people died as a result of the crash, but he is unsure if they died at the scene. He said there were other people injured, but the exact number is unknown at this time. All injured people were taken to a local hospital, he said.
Salem Police officers, firefighters, and multiple ambulances were on scene, as well as the State Police, who were conducting an investigation.
Highland Avenue was shut down for a couple of hours due to the accident.
According to a representative at the Salem Fire Department, firefighters cleared the scene at approximately 7:50 p.m.
While the scene was active, the City of Salem and Police Department, via their social-media accounts, urged motorists to avoid the area.
“Salem and State Police are responding to a major car collision on Highland Avenue,” the city and police said. “Highland Avenue is closed in both directions, from Marlborough Road to Ravenna Avenue. Avoid the area and seek alternative routes, as necessary. Follow detours, as directed by police.”
