Pedestrian Struck On Everett Turnpike In Merrimack, Vehicle Fled Crash

MERRIMACK, NH — Merrimack fire, police, and New Hampshire State Police responded to a report of a pedestrian being struck on the Everett Turnpike in the southbound lane on Friday.

Calls came in from several people, including an NH DOT worker at the scene, about a pedestrian being struck and thrown into the woods near Mile Marker 13.2. Merrimack police were first to arrive and reported that the highway had flooding from the heavy rains. The pedestrian was found, seriously injured, and in the woods. Reports indicated the pedestrian was thrown 30 to 40 feet.

Firefighters and medics worked on the victim and transported them to the Elliot Hospital, and activated a trauma alert while en route to the hospital. State police said the victim, a 59-year-old man, had life-threatening injuries and was transferred to Mass. General Hospital after initially being brought to the Elliot.

State police said the man pulled over on the right side of the turnpike and exited his vehicle to render aid to a previous motor vehicle crash that occurred in the center median — blocking the left lane. While walking towards the crash scene, the pedestrian was struck by an unidentified vehicle that entered the grass shoulder off the right side of the roadway.

Preliminary investigation indicates an unknown vehicle left the roadway and struck the pedestrian in the grass median. The suspect's vehicle left the scene and is unknown at this time.

A blue Hyundai passenger car that is believed to belong to the victim was removed from the scene by Skiff’s Towing.

A second accident occurred in the northbound lane while responders worked at the accident scene in the southbound lane. Merrimack fire, police, and state police also responded to that, and there is no information on injuries from the second accident.

Traffic backed up on the Everett Turnpike for several hours in both directions as the scenes were cleared and lanes were reopened.

All aspects remain under investigation. State police are requesting that anyone who may have witnessed the incident, passed through the scene with a dash camera, or has observed a vehicle with front end damage and/or a broken passenger side headlight to contact Trooper Luan Sanches at Luan.G.Sanches@dos.nh.gov or by voicemail at 1-603-227-0114.

Merrimack NH Patch will update additional information as it becomes available.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news