Driver Seriously Hurt In Crash That Led To Closure Of The Everett Turnpike

MERRIMACK, N.H. – All northbound lanes of the F.E. Everett Turnpike in Merrimack were closed for two hours earlier this evening due to a crash that left one person seriously hurt.

At 4:28 p.m. today, Jan. 4, 2025, State Troopers assigned to the Troop B barracks, along with members of the Merrimack Fire and Rescue Department and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, responded to reports that a vehicle had crashed into construction barrels at the Exit 10 offramp. 

A preliminary investigation has determined that a Honda Accord, driven by Michael Ruiz, 19, of Nashua, struck the barrels and subsequently drove down an embankment to the edge of the woods. Ruiz suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. There were no other vehicles involved and no one else was hurt.

All northbound lanes were closed at Exit 10 for about two hours while debris was cleaned up and the vehicle was removed.

Ruiz was cited for reckless driving. While speed appears to be a factor, all aspects of the crash remain under investigation. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Matthew Howe at (603) 223-4381 or Matthew.S.Howe@DOS.NH.GOV.