CT Driver Arrested After Daring Wrong-Way Crash on I-95 in New Haven – See the Shocking Footage!

According to Connecticut State Police, a Hartford man is facing serious charges following a dangerous incident on I-95 in West Haven early Sunday morning. At approximately 12:17 AM on December 1, 2024, authorities began receiving multiple reports of a wrong-way driver traveling south on the northbound lanes of I-95, near exit 47 in New Haven. The vehicle, a black Chevrolet Volt, was headed directly into oncoming traffic, prompting immediate action from state troopers.

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Several officers responded to the scene, trying to intercept the driver before a collision could occur. As they arrived, one trooper spotted the vehicle speeding toward him, and despite having activated emergency lights and sirens, the driver swerved dangerously, narrowly missing the officer’s patrol car. The situation escalated quickly, and the wrong-way driver soon collided head-on with another vehicle in the right lane near exit 43 in West Haven. Authorities immediately closed the highway to investigate the crash and ensure the safety of everyone involved. Authorities have released footage of the incident, let’s take a look.

When state troopers arrived at the crash scene, they found the wrong-way driver, later identified as 38-year-old Thabiso P. Mgoza from Hartford, leaning against the metal guardrail. He appeared uninjured, but the other vehicle involved in the collision had passengers who sustained minor injuries. These individuals were treated at the scene by emergency medical services (EMS) and then transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and care.

Troopers soon say they noticed that Mgoza seemed disoriented and had difficulty maintaining his balance. When asked, officers say he was unable to explain how he ended up driving the wrong way on the highway. Police say a strong odor of alcohol was detected on his breath, and his eyes were bloodshot and watery, further raising concerns about his state. After Mgoza agreed to participate in a field sobriety test, he failed to perform the tasks to the required standard according to the report. Based on these signs of impairment, Mgoza was arrested on the spot.

He was taken to Troop G for processing and later released on a $5,000 cash or surety bond. Mgoza is scheduled for arraignment at Milford Superior Court on December 16, 2024.

The following charges were filed against Thabiso P. Mgoza:

• C.G.S. 14-36(a) - Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License
• C.G.S. 14-227a - Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
• C.G.S. 14-236 - Failure to Drive in Proper Lane
• C.G.S. 14-237 - Driving the Wrong Way on a Divided Highway
• C.G.S. 53a-64 - Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree

I understand people do crazy things when they are drunk (allegedly) but getting drunk isn't new and I never remember hearing about wrong-way drivers in the 80s, 90's and early 2000s. Why does this happen so often?