A serious crash on northbound Interstate 293 near Exit 2 in Manchester, New Hampshire, caused a major highway closure Wednesday morning, September 23, 2026, after a collision involving a box truck and an SUV.
The crash occurred near the Merrimack River Bridge and brought emergency crews to the scene as authorities worked to assist multiple people involved in the collision.
The incident became particularly serious when the box truck went off the roadway and into the Merrimack River.
What Happened on I-293 in Manchester?
According to Manchester fire officials, the collision happened on northbound I-293 in the area of the Merrimack River Bridge near Exit 2.
A box truck and an SUV were involved in the crash.
Following the collision, the box truck left the roadway and entered the Merrimack River, prompting a significant emergency response involving crews working both at the highway scene and in connection with the vehicle that entered the water.
The precise sequence of events leading to the collision remained under investigation.
Box Truck Enters the Merrimack River
One of the most significant developments in the crash was the box truck entering the Merrimack River after the collision.
Emergency personnel responded to assist those involved and secure the scene.
The circumstances surrounding how the truck breached the bridge area and entered the river had not been fully established in the initial information released by authorities.
Officials were continuing to investigate the crash while emergency operations remained underway.
Multiple Patients Taken to Hospitals
Multiple patients were transported to local hospitals following the crash.
State police confirmed that injuries were involved, although the initial assessment indicated that the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
Authorities had not immediately released the identities of the people involved or detailed their individual medical conditions.
Additional information about the injured was expected to depend on further official updates and the ongoing investigation.
Northbound I-293 Closed Near Exit 2
Northbound I-293 near Exit 2 remained closed while emergency crews responded to the crash.
The closure created significant disruption for motorists traveling through Manchester during the Wednesday morning commute.
Drivers approaching the area were urged to use caution and allow additional travel time while authorities worked at the scene.
The highway closure was necessary to allow emergency personnel to safely manage the collision, assist those involved and address the box truck that entered the river.
Emergency Crews Respond to Merrimack River Crash
The unusual circumstances of the collision required a substantial emergency response.
Firefighters and other emergency personnel worked to assist the people involved while authorities secured the roadway.
The presence of a vehicle in the Merrimack River also added another challenge to the response.
Crews had to coordinate the highway emergency with the situation involving the box truck and ensure that the scene could be managed safely.
Investigation Into the I-293 Collision
The cause of the crash remained under investigation.
Authorities had not released a definitive explanation for what caused the box truck and SUV to collide or what caused the box truck to leave the roadway.
Investigators are expected to examine the vehicles, roadway conditions and other circumstances surrounding the collision as they work to reconstruct what happened.
Until that investigation is completed, the exact cause should not be assumed.
Manchester Drivers Face Delays
The closure of northbound I-293 near Exit 2 affected traffic moving through Manchester.
Motorists using the interstate were advised to expect delays and exercise caution around the emergency response area.
Because I-293 is an important route through the Manchester area, a significant closure can quickly affect surrounding roads as drivers seek alternative routes.
Travelers were encouraged to monitor current traffic conditions before approaching the affected section.
Latest I-293 Accident Update
The September 23 crash remains an active traffic and emergency incident.
The confirmed information available at the time of reporting is that a box truck and SUV collided on northbound I-293 near Exit 2, multiple patients were transported to hospitals, and the box truck entered the Merrimack River.
Initial information indicated that the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
The identities and detailed conditions of those involved have not been publicly released, while the circumstances that caused the crash remain under investigation.
I-293 Accident Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Serious multi-vehicle crash |
| Date | September 23, 2026 |
| Location | Northbound I-293 near Exit 2 |
| City | Manchester, New Hampshire |
| Nearby landmark | Merrimack River Bridge |
| Vehicles involved | Box truck and SUV |
| Major development | Box truck entered the Merrimack River |
| Injuries | Multiple people injured |
| Hospital transports | Multiple patients transported |
| Injury severity | Initially not believed to be life-threatening |
| Fatalities | None confirmed in the information provided |
| Road status | Northbound I-293 closed near Exit 2 |
| Emergency response | Fire, police and medical crews |
| Cause | Under investigation |
| Identities | Not released |
Developing Manchester Traffic Incident
The I-293 collision is expected to continue affecting traffic in the Manchester area while emergency crews complete their work and investigators examine the circumstances.
The box truck entering the Merrimack River has made the incident particularly complex, requiring authorities to manage both the interstate crash scene and the vehicle in the river.
Further information concerning the injured people, roadway reopening and the circumstances of the crash may be released as the investigation progresses.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available concerning the September 23, 2026 crash on northbound I-293 near Exit 2 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Initial reports indicate that a box truck and SUV were involved, multiple patients were transported to hospitals, and the box truck entered the Merrimack River. Injury conditions, identities, the precise cause of the collision and other details may change as authorities continue their investigation. This article is provided for general informational purposes and should not be interpreted as confirmation of unverified claims.