Multi-Vehicle Crash in Plaistow Leaves Four Injured: A Closer Look at Road Safety in New Hampshire
By Granite State Report
Published September 19, 2025
Breaking News Overview
PLAISTOW, N.H. – On the afternoon of Thursday, September 18, 2025, a serious multi-vehicle collision shook the town of Plaistow. The crash, which occurred at 3:42 p.m. on Main Street (Route 121A) near East and West Pine Streets, involved four vehicles and left four individuals injured, two of them seriously.
Local police, firefighters, and emergency medical teams were on scene within minutes. Due to the severity of the incident, New Hampshire State Police Troop A and the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction (C.A.R.) Unit were called in to take the lead on the investigation.
According to preliminary findings, a 2010 Mercedes C300 driven by Sabine Marechal, 41, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, crossed the double yellow line at a reportedly high speed and collided head-on with a 2021 Nissan Rogue driven by Alexandra Smith, 32, of Sandown, N.H.
The Mercedes also struck a 2018 Ford Escape driven by Courtney Seymour, 49, of Sandown, before sideswiping a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado operated by Kevin Vadeboncoeur, 34, of Plaistow.
The aftermath was chaotic:
- Marechal’s Mercedes overturned and required extrication by the Plaistow Fire Department.
- She was later airlifted via Boston MedFlight to Massachusetts General Hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
- A minor passenger in Smith’s vehicle was also airlifted to Massachusetts General with serious injuries.
- Smith and Vadeboncoeur were transported to the Plaistow Emergency Room with minor injuries.
- Seymour escaped physical injury.
Emergency crews from multiple towns, including Atkinson, Newton, and Haverhill, joined Plaistow responders, alongside Lawrence General EMS and the Plaistow Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
The Scene: Route 121A’s History of Crashes
Main Street, also known as Route 121A, is a heavily traveled two-lane corridor running through Plaistow’s business district. While scenic, it has long been a site of serious crashes, raising concerns about speeding, visibility, and road design.
According to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), between 2015 and 2024, there were 127 reported crashes along Route 121A in Plaistow, with 17 classified as serious injury accidents and 3 fatalities .
One stretch near the East Pine Street intersection has been flagged by both town officials and residents as dangerously narrow, with poor sightlines and limited shoulders. The 2025 crash reignites debate about whether more traffic calming measures—such as speed cameras, rumble strips, or additional signage—should be installed.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local residents who witnessed the crash described the moment as “violent” and “unreal.”
“I was walking out of the post office when I heard this huge bang. It sounded like an explosion,” said Plaistow resident Mark Delaney, who rushed to the scene. “When I looked over, there were cars everywhere and one upside down. People were screaming.”
Another witness, Jessica Lang, a nurse who lives near the intersection, recalled:
“The first instinct was to help. I ran over and saw the driver of the Mercedes trapped. Fire crews got here so fast, thank God. But it shows how dangerous this road is. People fly through here all the time.”
Investigators’ Focus: Speeding and Road Crossing
State Police troopers confirmed that speed is being investigated as a contributing factor. Reports suggest Marechal’s Mercedes may have been traveling at a significantly higher speed than posted limits.
The Collision Analysis & Reconstruction (C.A.R.) Unit will examine:
- Vehicle data recorders (black boxes) to determine exact speed and braking.
- Roadway skid marks and debris patterns to establish trajectory.
- Driver toxicology reports (standard in severe crashes).
- Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash.
As of publication, no criminal charges have been filed, but officials note that charges remain possible pending toxicology and full reconstruction results.
Emergency Response: A Regional Effort
This crash highlighted the interconnectedness of regional emergency services.
- Plaistow Fire Department handled vehicle extrication.
- Boston MedFlight provided two medical helicopters for rapid transport to Boston hospitals.
- Atkinson, Newton, and Haverhill Fire Departments sent mutual aid crews.
- Lawrence General Hospital EMS supplemented ambulances.
- Plaistow CERT volunteers directed traffic, assisted families, and supported first responders.
Experts note that such coordinated response often makes the difference between life and death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes that “the golden hour”—the first 60 minutes after trauma—is critical to survival .
Road Safety in New Hampshire: A Wider Context
This crash comes at a time when New Hampshire traffic fatalities are rising.
- In 2024, the state recorded 136 traffic-related deaths, a 9% increase over the prior year .
- Speeding and distracted driving are leading causes, contributing to 38% of fatal crashes statewide.
- Route 125 and 121A, which both run through Plaistow, are repeatedly cited as “high-crash corridors.”
Advocates argue that infrastructure improvements, tougher enforcement, and public education are needed.
Community Reaction
The Plaistow crash sparked debate on social media and town forums. Many residents expressed concern over reckless driving and police enforcement.
One Plaistow resident posted:
“This has been a ticking time bomb. I’ve lived here 15 years and Route 121A is like a racetrack. Unless police set up more speed traps or we get traffic calming, we’re going to keep seeing tragedies.”
Town officials, meanwhile, promised a review of crash data and possible recommendations to NHDOT.
The Human Impact
Beyond statistics, this crash affected real lives:
- Sabine Marechal, the driver of the Mercedes, remains hospitalized.
- Alexandra Smith and her child passenger face recovery from both physical and emotional trauma.
- Kevin Vadeboncoeur and Courtney Seymour were shaken by near-death experiences.
Trauma specialists note that survivors of crashes often experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression, even when injuries are minor .
Policy Debate: What Can Be Done?
Experts and safety advocates propose several measures:
- Increased Police Patrols:
State and local police could increase visibility on Route 121A during peak hours. - Traffic Calming Infrastructure:
- Rumble strips along center lines.
- Better signage near intersections.
- Road narrowing or pedestrian islands.
- Public Safety Campaigns:
Targeting speed awareness and distracted driving through schools and community events. - Technology:
Consider speed cameras or automated license plate readers (though controversial for privacy reasons).
Conclusion: A Call for Action
The September 18 Plaistow crash was not just a tragic accident but also a wake-up call for New Hampshire’s road safety challenges. While investigators continue to piece together the causes, the broader context of rising crashes and fatalities cannot be ignored.
Plaistow residents are left asking: How many more crashes before change comes?
As families recover and state troopers finalize their report, this incident may serve as a turning point in local and statewide discussions on road safety, enforcement, and infrastructure.
References
- New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT). Crash Data Reports 2015–2024.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Golden Hour in Trauma Response.
- NHDOT. Annual Highway Safety Report 2024.
- Mayo Clinic. PTSD in Car Accident Survivors.
