Triple fatal accident on Candia NH Route 101 – NECN

Three people were killed in a serious head-on collision that closed part of Route 101 in Candia, New Hampshire, for several hours on Saturday afternoon.

According to the New Hampshire State Police, the accident occurred around 12:20 p.m. near mile marker 69.

Troopers determined that the driver of a Toyota Tundra was traveling eastbound on Route 101 at a high rate of speed when he struck a Nissan Sentra from the side, struck a railing on the east side, and crossed the median into the westbound lane, where he struck a Jeep Grand Wagoneer head-on.

Both the Toyota and Jeep drivers died from injuries sustained in the accident, police said.

A passenger in the Jeep suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Elliot Hospital, where he later died, police added.

The names of the fatalities are not currently being released.

State police said the driver and passenger of the sideswiped Nissan suffered non-life-threatening injuries. They were taken to Elliot Hospital as a precaution and identified as 48-year-old Velka Pacheco McMahon and 18-year-old Kelly McMahon, both of Peterborough.

The westbound and eastbound lanes of Route 101 were closed until westbound traffic could be rerouted. The eastbound lanes were then reopened. The westbound lanes were completely closed for approximately four hours while police investigated the accident scene.

Motorists were advised to expect delays and to avoid the area if possible. A video from the scene of the accident showed heavy traffic as cars had to turn around on the highway before the accident site.

Shortly after 4:40 p.m., police announced that Route 101 was reopened.

Police say speed appears to have been a factor in the accident, but all other circumstances remain under investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the accident and has not yet spoken to police is asked to call or email Trooper Will Bohnenberger at [email protected] or 603-223-4381.