Manchester Man Seriously Injured In Two-Vehicle Crash In Charlestown

CHARLESTOWN, NH — A two-vehicle crash on Route 12 on Thursday evening resulted in serious injuries for two drivers and closed the road for approximately two hours.

The collision, which occurred near Hemingway Farms at approximately 5:55 p.m., is currently under investigation by state police, with charges possible. Authorities identified one of the injured drivers as Matthew Horton, 36, of Manchester. According to state police, Horton was driving a 2011 Buick Lucerne northbound when, "for reasons that remain under investigation," his vehicle crossed the center line.

Horton's Buick first made minor contact with a 2017 Ford Escape traveling in the opposite direction. The driver of the Ford was not injured.

Immediately following, a 2023 Subaru Outback, also traveling southbound, took evasive action but was struck by Horton's Buick, causing the Subaru to roll over. The name of the Subaru driver has not been released by State Police, who stated an updated news release would be forthcoming upon the conclusion of the investigation. A spokesperson for the department of safety indicated that the released name was for the "at-fault vehicle" driver.

Both Matthew Horton and the driver of the Subaru sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

In addition to the seriously injured drivers, two juvenile passengers in the Subaru and a passenger in Horton's vehicle sustained minor injuries. All three were transported to a hospital for evaluation.

Route 12 was shut down for about two hours as state police documented the scene of the crash.

The incident remains under investigation, and the state police are seeking the public's assistance. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Sergeant Eric Fostering at 603-223-8492 or Eric.J.Fosterling@dos.nh.gov.