Removal of Jackknifed Propane Truck to Take Several Hours

As emergency crews begin efforts to remove a propane truck that crashed on Interstate 293 Wednesday morning, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is advising that traffic may be blocked and area evacuations extended for several hours.

"The operation to get the propane tanker back on the road will require an extensive rerouting of traffic both northbound and southbound," said Bill Boynton, NHDOT Public Information Officer.

The operation began at 11:30 a.m. and will take a minimum of three hours, according to NHDOT, though reports from freelance photographer Jeffrey Hastings, who is at the scene, indicate removal may take up to 6-8 hours due to safety precautions involved with the removing of the 9,000-gallon propane tank.

Interstate 293 southbound will be closed after the Hooksett Tolls at the 293/93 split and all traffic will be directed to I-93 southbound.

Northbound traffic on 293 will be closed at Exit 6 (Amoskeag Circle/Bridge) and traffic will have to cross the Merrimack River and head north on Route 3. 

Route 3A and Front Street will be closed during the operation due to its proximity to the incident and all area apartments and homes are being evacuated. Residents are being directed to a temporary shelter.

Electronic message boards along the highway will update motorists of the closures and detours.

The accident reportedly occurred when car lost control on the highway and spun out of control. The driver of the truck appears to have swerved to avoid direct collision before going over a guardrail, jackknifing and coming to rest off the highway. The driver of the car was taken to Catholic Medical Center.

Both drivers have been taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons, though there has been no reported injuries. The driver of the truck must undergo blood testing, per company protocol.

Read an earlier story on the incident here.