NH State Police Cruiser With Trooper, K-9 Struck On Everett Turnpike

MERRIMACK, NH — A three-vehicle accident on the Southbound lane of F.E. Everett Turnpike Thursday backed up traffic for miles and sent one person to the hospital.

Initial information gathered at the scene indicated a passenger vehicle struck a deer in the left lane of the turnpike and the vehicle pulled to the right breakdown lane. A New Hampshire State Police unit arrived and pulled behind the vehicle with lights on the cruiser to provide visibility to the inoperable car and driver.

A pickup truck traveling south then collided with the cruiser while it was in the breakdown lane. A state police K-9 officer operated the cruiser and a dog was in the rear seat.

Merrimack fire and police were dispatched to the area near Mile Marker 13.6, just south of the Exit 12 onramp. Firefighters evaluated all drivers involved and transported the driver of a car with what appeared to be minor injuries.

The trooper and K-9 were taken from the scene with no apparent injuries and both are being evaluated further.

Supreme Towing removed the passenger car and Bailey Towing brought the heavily damaged cruiser to state police barracks so that gear from the vehicle could be removed. The truck was able to be driven from the scene.

Traffic was backed up approximately five miles through the Bedford Tolls which resulted in two other crashes on the Turnpike during this timeframe. The right lane was closed for approximately one hour while the roadway was cleaned up.

The crash remains under investigation. State police is asking for anyone who witnessed the crash or has further information to contact Sergeant Mark Dore at Mark.R.Dore@dos.nh.gov, or State Police Dispatch at (603) 223-4381.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news