By Jill Harmacinski
Staff Writer
May 09, 2008 12:16 am METHUEN — Students at a Tewksbury elementary school are preparing for a round of state tests next week. But they don't have one of their favorite teachers helping them prepare. Edward Manzi, 46, of Haverhill, who was critically injured in a single-car crash on Interstate 495 south early Tuesday morning, is a sixth-grade social studies and reading teacher at John F. Ryan Elementary School. Manzi, who was airlifted to a Boston hospital after the 7 a.m. crash, is known for his sense of humor and friendly way of connecting with children, said Kevin McArdle, the school's principal. No condition for Manzi was available from Brigham & Women's Hospital yesterday. He immediately underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition after Tuesday's crash. However, McArdle, who has spoken with family members, said Manzi is expected to survive. Manzi has worked at the Ryan school since 1999. "It's early in the ballgame but it appears he'll be making a good recovery," said McArdle. State police continue to investigate the crash. No citations or charges have been issued, said Trooper Eric Benson, a state police spokesman. A witness said Manzi, at the wheel of a green 2000 Toyota Camry, was driving 100 mph when he crashed into a guardrail just south of the Route 110 exit ramp. After striking the guardrail, the car knocked down a sign and his car went airborne. The Camry flipped over onto its roof near a wooded area on the side of the highway. He was briefly trapped in the car and freed from the wreckage by Methuen firefighters. The witness, Scott Mansour of Haverhill, said Manzi was driving so fast that he could have easily killed himself and many other people. Mansour, who was in the middle lane, said Manzi passed him on the left and then passed other cars by driving into the grassy median. Once he hit the grass, he lost control, darted across three lanes and hit the guardrail, Mansour said. McArdle said students are very concerned with Manzi's condition. However, with MCAS testing coming up next week, the school has not yet prepared to visit or send anything to the injured teacher. McArdle said something will be planned for next week. "He's definitely in our thoughts and prayers," McArdle said.
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Photos
State police say Edward Manzi, 46, of Haverhill hit a guardrail and rolled over on Interstate 495 south in Methuen Tuesday. Manzi, a school teacher in Tewksbury, remains in a Boston hospital. Staff photo