Two dead in wrong-way crash on Route 20 in Charlton

CHARLTON — The driver of a Subaru Legacy was traveling the wrong way on Route 20 Wednesday morning, leading to the three-vehicle crash that left two dead, according to state police.

The east and west lanes of the highway are divided by concrete barriers.

The Subaru driver, a New York resident, and the driver of a Honda Fit, of Southbridge, were killed in the crash, state police said.

The third driver, a Connecticut man who was at the wheel of a tractor-trailer, was not injured.

State police Thursday identified the victims as Susan Celauro, 63, of East Norwich, New York, the driver of the Subaru, and Alexander Owanisian, 35, of Southbridge, the driver of the Honda.

The crash, which occurred about 11:30 a.m., prompted part of the highway to be closed for some time.

State police gave the following account, based on a preliminary investigation:

The Subaru — for reasons under investigation — was traveling westbound on the eastbound side of Route 20.

About a half-mile east of Old Worcester Road, the Subaru collided with a 2000 Kenworth tractor-trailer and a 2016 Honda Fit, both of which were eastbound.

The collision sequence caused the Honda to be pulled under the trailer that was attached to the Kenworth truck cab. The tractor-trailer dragged the Honda for a short distance.

The tractor-trailer was hauling a large boat.

The investigation is ongoing.

The highway was detoured for a time Wednesday after the crash.

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This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: State police: Two dead in crash on Route 20 in Charlton