Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash

Swanzey, New Hampshire – On March 21, 2023, at approximately 6:00 AM, Trooper Phillips of the New Hampshire State Police Troop G Motor Carrier Enforcement Unit was requested to assist members of the Swanzey Police Department with a reported commercial motor vehicle crash in the area of 765 West Swanzey Road.

Initial investigation revealed that the operator of a 2017 Freightliner tractor-trailer was pulling onto Route 10 southbound from the Irving gas station, when the operator noticed the trailer had become detached. The trailer traveled across the turning lane, coming to final rest in the northbound lane, ultimately occupying all three lanes on Route 10.  Simultaneously, a 2013 Mack dump truck traveling northbound subsequently collided with the detached trailer, causing heavy damage to the truck.  Both the tractor-trailer unit and dump truck were empty at the time of the crash.

While both drivers were out of their vehicles calling to report the incident, a 2012 Ford Escape SUV collided with the back of the dump truck.  The operator of the SUV was reported to have sustained minor injuries and was transported from the scene.  Both the SUV and dump truck were towed from the scene due to debilitating damage.  The trailer was reattached to the tractor and moved out of the roadway.

Roadside inspection of the tractor-trailer revealed that the trailer was not properly connected prior to the crash. The trailer and dump truck were both placed out-of-service due to damage. An out-of-service order is given to a commercial driver or vehicle that violates a certain set of conditions with the purpose to protect the public from imminent safety hazards.

New Hampshire State Police Troop G were assisted by members of the Swanzey Police and Fire Departments. State Police is requesting that anyone who may have information, or witnessed the crash, contact the Swanzey Police Department at (603) 352-2869.

The Troop G – Motor Carrier Unit is comprised of trained and experienced commercial motor vehicle examiners who are certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to conduct inspections.  Their primary mission is to ensure the safety of the motoring public by focusing their enforcement efforts on Commercial Motor Vehicles.  Their work supports the education and adherence of Motor Carriers to the federal regulations that support commerce and keep our roadways safe for all.