'Impairment Was A Factor' In Interstate 93 Exit 17 Crash

CONCORD, NH — A motor vehicle crash on Interstate 93 that sent two people to the hospital Saturday is still under investigation by the New Hampshire State Police but speeding and impairment are considered factors in the accident. Around 6 p.m., state police and firefighters were called to the southbound side of the highway near Exit 17 at the Concord-Canterbury line for a single-vehicle crash. The was driver ejected from the Yaris while a passenger was entrapped inside, dispatch reported.

When they arrived, they found a 2007 Toyota Yaris crashed on the side of the highway. The passenger, a woman, was able to free herself from the mangled wreckage before firefighters arrived.

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The driver, a 26-year-old Manchester man, was taken to Concord Hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in serious condition, according to Sgt. Greg Dube of Troop D. The 25-year-old Pembroke woman who was a passenger was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and is in stable condition.

State police determined the Yaris veered off the road, crashed into a tree, and then rolled.

"Based on witness statements, it appears that the Toyota Yaris was traveling at a high rate of speed just prior to the crash," Dube said. "It also appears that impairment was a factor but all aspects remain under investigation."

Traffic was diverted onto the Exit 17 off ramp for about five hours. Concord Fire and Rescue teams, the Penacook Rescue team, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation assisted state police.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the collision are encouraged to contact Trooper Daniel Quartulli at 603-223-8993 or email him at Daniel.Quartulli@dos.nh.gov.

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