Ledyard — A 38-year-old man from Gales Ferry was killed and a Taftville man was in critical condition after a crash Wednesday morning in Gales Ferry, police said.

Police said they were called to Route 12, just north of the Gales Ferry Fire Department, about 5:40 a.m. for a report of a two-vehicle crash. When they arrived, they found one car facing north in a southbound lane and another crashed off of the roadway, the Ledyard Police Department said.

Both drivers had to be extricated from their cars by the fire department.

Adam Nouwen, 38, of 72 Inchcliffe Drive was pulled from his BMW, which had left the road near the northbound lane and was facing west. He was taken to Backus Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Ledyard police.

Timothy Cuff, 22, of 607 Norwich Ave., Taftville, was pulled from his Saturn and brought to Backus Hospital, where he was in critical condition Wednesday afternoon.

Police said they believe Cuff veered out of the southbound lane and crossed the double line, striking Nouwen, who was driving north, head-on.

The Southeastern Regional Traffic Unit responded to the scene and the crash was still under investigation. Any witnesses are asked to contact Ledyard police Investigator Jason Pudvah at (860) 464-6400.