Elderly Driver Slams Into NH DOT Truck Sending 3 To The Hospital

AUBURN, NH — A New Hampshire Department of Transportation crew on Route 101 was performing road maintenance just east of Exit 2 when it was struck by a 2008 Volkswagen Beetle traveling eastbound on Thursday.

Several trucks were lined in the right travel lanes of the roadway traveling East when the car struck the rear protective crash attenuator of the NH DOT truck at around 11:30 a.m.

The NH DOT truck was stationary and occupied by one worker at the time of the crash according to New Hampshire State Police.

Fire and EMS were dispatched from Auburn and Candia, and responders were advised there were two people entrapped in the car. When Auburn firefighters arrived, they found a car with heavy damage, with two injured occupants. The car's occupants were no longer entrapped and firefighters began to provide medical aid.

Additional ambulances were requested from Derry, Londonderry, and Hooksett to assist the occupants and evaluate the NH DOT workers involved in the accident.

The driver of the Volkswagen, Helen Simpson, 78, of Manchester, failed to acknowledge the lane closure and drove into the back-end of the DOT truck, according to state police. Simpson and her 76-year-old passenger were transported to the Elliot Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The NH DOT worker was also transported by ambulance to the hospital for medical evaluation.

State police said, "Statements from Simpson indicate that distraction by an electronic device may have contributed to this event, however, all aspects remain under investigation."

Lane one of the highway remained closed for approximately 45 minutes while efforts were made to clear the scene.

Eileen Meaney, the chief of communications for the NH DOT, said that Thursday's crash is the 33rd crash involving an NH DOT vehicle and crew. That number does not include contractors struck on roadways and it is a serious danger.

The accident is being investigated by state troopers. The condition of the people involved is unknown, but the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening while they were treated at the scene.

State police remind drivers to move over and yield when they approach red, blue, and yellow lights on vehicles in the roadway.

Also Read about a recent press conference highlighting the dangers of distracted driving:

Don't Drive Intexicated, Intoxicated In NH: It Has Deadly Consequences

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news