Multi-Vehicle Accident Closes Down Route 101

New Hampshire State Police were sent to a multi-vehicle crash last night on Route 101 just west of Exit 7 in Epping that closed down the highway for nearly an hour, according to police.

At around 9:15 p.m. on March 31, 2015, troopers “encountered multiple vehicles in various portions of the paved roadway to include the breakdown lane.”

According to investigators, a Nissan Maxima being driven by a man from Raymond blew out a rear tire while traveling east. The driver slowed down, pulled into the breakdown lane, and stopped. Traffic quickly slowed and a second vehicle, a Honda Civic, being driven by a man from Newmarket, changed lanes and struck a Chevrolet Cavalier, being operated by a woman from Manchester.

“The impact caused Unit #3 to spin, strike the guardrail, and come to final rest in the breakdown lane,” according to Sgt. John Hennessey of the New Hampshire State Police. “Unit #2 also struck the guardrail, bounced off, and came to final rest facing east in the middle of Route 101.”

A fourth vehicle, a Honda Element, being operated by a Hampton man, then struck the Civic and crashed into the guardrail, according to state troopers.

The drivers of the Civic and the Cavalier were sent to Exeter Hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the Element was treated at the scene.

According to Hennessey, Epping and Brentwood Police, and Epping Fire all assisted.

The cause of this crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact Trooper George Sanborn, New Hampshire State Police, Troop-A, at 603-223-8490.