3 dead in pile-up on New Hampshire highway

CANDIA, NH — Three people were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on a New Hampshire highway Saturday afternoon, state police said.

At about 12:20 p.m., a 2010 Toyota Tundra was speeding east on Route 101 in Candia when it sideswiped a 2018 Nissan Sentra, New Hampshire State Police said. The Toyota then struck a guardrail and crossed into the westbound lanes, where it collided head-on with a 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

The drivers of the Toyota Tundra and Jeep Grand Wagoneer died from injuries sustained in the crash. A passenger in the Jeep suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to Elliot Hospital. The passenger died of his injuries at the hospital, state police said.

The two people in the Nissan Sentra with replaced side windows, Velka Pacheco McMahon, 48, and Kelly McMahon, 18, both of Peterborough, New Hampshire, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Elliot Hospital as a precaution.

While police investigated the scene of the accident, the westbound lanes of Route 101 were completely closed for about four hours.

The New Hampshire State Police was assisted by the Raymond and Auburn police departments, Candia Fire Rescue, Raymond Fire Department and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

“Although speed appears to be a factor in the crash, all aspects remain under investigation. Troopers have spoken with several witnesses. Anyone who witnessed the crash and has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact Trooper Will Bohnenberger at [email protected] or (603) 223-4381,” New Hampshire State Police said.