Wrong-Way Driver Causes Five Vehicle Crash

NASHUA, New Hampshire – On June 24, 2023, at approximately 10:34 p.m., Troopers from New Hampshire State Police Troop B Barracks responded to a report of a wrong-way driver, driving north in the southbound lanes on the F.E. Everett. Quickly thereafter, it was reported that the wrong-way vehicle had struck another vehicle in the area of Exit 7W. Upon arrival, it was found that the wrong-way vehicle’s operator was entrapped, and the Subaru Impreza had caught on fire. Troopers were able to quickly extricate the driver and she was identified as:

Jennifer Pratka 
Age: 29
Litchfield, NH

Preliminary investigation found that the Subaru Impreza was driving north on the F.E. Everett Turnpike in the southbound lanes when it collided with a pickup truck in the left lane. Immediately after, three other vehicles crashed into these two vehicles. The driver and the passenger of the pickup truck sustained serious injuries, and the occupants of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries. 

Pratka was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua for minor injuries. 

The F.E. Everett Turnpike southbound lanes were shut down between Exits 7W and 7E for approximately three and half hours while the crash was being investigated, the vehicles were removed, and debris was cleaned from the roadway. New Hampshire State Police were assisted on scene by Nashua Police Department, Nashua Fire and EMS, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. 

Pratka is scheduled to appear in Hillsborough Superior Court in July to face the charges of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence and Reckless Conduct.  Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact Trooper Harkonen at Ryan.R.Harknoen@dos.nh.gov or (603) 223-8308.