SPRINGFIELD, N.H.
--
Eight vehicles were involved in a crash that shut down a portion of Interstate 89 in Springfield early Friday morning, according to the Department of Transportation.
The series of crashes started at about 2:30 a.m., when a vehicle blew a tire after hitting a patch of ice and spun out between exits 12A and 13. That driver pulled over and tried to change their tire, when a following vehicle spun out trying to avoid them, which sparked a chain reaction involving six more vehicles.
Officials said an 18-wheeler tried to avoid the second vehicle and crashed into a ditch, bursting its side gas tank. A box truck pulled to the side of the road to avoid the collision and was then struck by a tanker truck.
The tanker truck, which was carrying heating oil, crossed the road and ended up in a ditch after the crash. Officials said a small amount of oil spilled, but not enough to be hazardous.
Officials said another 18-wheeler slammed into that tanker truck, and two more vehicles crashed into the back of the 18-wheeler.
Two people were taken to the hospital -- one from a car and the other from an 18-wheeler. Both were treated for minor injuries.
The fire chief said it was a miracle that no one was seriously hurt.
Traffic in the northbound lane had to be closed then diverted through a rest area.
Tell Us More:E-mail WMUR your tips and story ideas.Copyright 2010 by . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
