Motorist killed after head-on collision with wrong-way driver on I-495 in Wareham

A head-on collision caused by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 495 in Wareham late Saturday night killed one man and left another in critical condition, according to State Police.
Phendy Pamphile, 26, of Brockton, was driving the wrong way on the northbound side of the highway, when he crashed into Christopher Elicier, 43, of Wareham around 10:20 p.m. Saturday, State Police said in a statement. Elicier was ejected from his 2012 Hyundai Veloster coupe and was pronounced dead at the scene, State Police said.
Pamphile was trapped in his 2007 Lexus IS200 sedan after the collision, and the Jaws of Life were required to remove him from his vehicle. He was taken to Tobey Hospital in Wareham for a serious leg injury, but was later moved to Rhode Island Hospital by medical helicopter, said State Police.


Pamphile was listed in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon according to the Rhode Island Hospital.
State Police said that neither of the drivers were wearing seatbelts.
An investigation is being conducted to determine why Pamphile was driving his car in the wrong direction. According to State Police, there is no indication that alcohol was involved, but it has not been ruled out as factor in the crash. After authorities conclude the investigation, charges against Pamphile will be determined, State Police said.
After the crash, authorities shut down the entire interstate between Exits 1 and 2 until 1:45 a.m. Sunday for rescue and investigative purposes.