Tractor-Trailer Crashes In Construction Zone

MERRIMACK, N.H. – A Rhode Island tractor-trailer driver escaped serious injury after crashing in a construction zone.

Yesterday, Saturday, May 4, 2024, at approximately 2:20 a.m., State Troopers from the Troop B barracks, along with the Merrimack Fire Department, responded to a report of a tractor-trailer crash on the F.E. Everett Turnpike approximately 1 mile south of the Bedford Toll Plaza.

Once on scene, Troopers determined the driver, identified as Kenneth Irizarry, 43, of Providence, Rhode Island, was driving a Ross Express tractor-trailer when he fell asleep as he entered a construction zone in Merrimack. Irizarry drifted into the right breakdown lane, struck sand barrels and then drove over temporary jersey barriers where the truck became stuck. He was transported to a Nashua hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

The right lane of the southbound side of the Turnpike was shut down for approximately three hours while crews from Northeast Truck Services, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and Audley Construction removed the truck and reset the barrier.

The State Police is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has further information that may assist in the investigation to contact Trooper Edward Perciballi at Edward.M.Perciballi@dos.nh.gov or State Police dispatch at (603) 223-4381.