I-293 crash in Manchester, New Hampshire sends truck off bridge into Merrimack River; 1 seriously hurt

A multi-car crash on Interstate 293 in Manchester, New Hampshire sent a box truck into the Merrimack River on Wednesday morning. Despite the dramatic crash, firefighters say the truck driver "miraculously" escaped serious injury.

The crash involving six vehicles happened on the northbound side of the highway at about 7:30 a.m., and there was a hole in the guardrail where the truck went into the water. 

New Hampshire State Police said there were "at least two chain crashes" on the bridge, and a young passenger was seriously injured. Eleven patients were treated at the scene and seven were taken to area hospitals. 

Police said the truck driver, a 26-year-old from Fall River, Massachusetts, "lost control, broke through the guardrail, and plunged approximately 50 feet into the river," but was not hurt.

"The box truck breached the guardrail and fell approximately 100 feet into the Merrimack. The truck landed upright in the water submerging the driver," the Manchester Fire Department said. "The truck driver was able to extricate himself from under water and climb onto the edge of the roof. The entire roof and windshield tore off allowing for an easier escape. The driver miraculously escaped serious injury and was transported by Bedford's boats to the waiting ambulance."

Travel on I-293 north was limited to one lane for several hours, causing significant traffic backups. Crews hoisted the truck out of the water with a crane hours later.

Police are still investigating the cause of the crash and are asking witnesses or anyone with video of the incident to contact them.