Independent New Hampshire Journalism · Northfield, NHCorrection, Sept. 19, 2026, 2:24 p.m. EDT: An earlier version of this article quoted two named residents and an unnamed resident about the crash, said State Police had confirmed speed was being investigated as a contributing factor, said officials noted charges remained possible pending toxicology results, said town officials had promised a review of crash data, and gave Route 121A crash totals attributed to the state Department of Transportation. None of those statements is supported by the State Police account or other published reports, and they have been removed. The article also said New Hampshire recorded 136 traffic deaths in 2024, a 9% increase; the state recorded 134 deaths, up from 127 in 2023 (Concord Monitor). The article now reports that a statement on the driver’s behalf, reported by WHAV, said she had a medical emergency before the crash.
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
What Happened
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.
State Police said their preliminary investigation found that a 2010 Mercedes C300 driven by Sabine Marechal, 41, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was traveling north on Main Street at a reportedly high rate of speed when it crossed the double yellow center lines and collided head-on with a 2021 Nissan Rogue driven by Alexandra Smith, 32, of Sandown, N.H. (News Link Live, Union Leader). A statement reported by WHAV as made on Marechal’s behalf said she suffered a medical emergency before the crash (WHAV).
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.
State Police reported these injuries:
- 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
Main Street, also known as Route 121A, runs through the center of Plaistow. The crash happened near its intersections with East and West Pine streets.
The Investigation
Troopers from the Troop A barracks and the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction (C.A.R.) Unit took the lead at the request of Plaistow police. In its September 19, 2025, release, State Police said all aspects of the crash were under investigation and asked anyone with information to contact Trooper Eric Torrens at Eric.M.Torrens@DOS.NH.gov. The release announced no charges.
Emergency Response: A Regional Effort
This crash highlighted the interconnectedness of regional emergency services.
- Plaistow Fire Department handled vehicle extrication.
- Boston MedFlight flew two patients to Massachusetts General Hospital.
- 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.
The Plaistow Highway Department also assisted at the scene, according to the State Police account (News Link Live).
Road Safety in New Hampshire: A Wider Context
New Hampshire recorded 134 traffic deaths in 2024, up from 127 in 2023, in 120 fatal crashes compared with 119 the year before, according to figures reported by the Concord Monitor.
The Human Impact
Two people, Marechal and a child riding in Smith’s SUV, were flown to Massachusetts General Hospital with injuries State Police described as serious but not life-threatening. Smith and Vadeboncoeur were treated for minor injuries. Seymour was not hurt.
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 State Police news release on the September 18, 2025, Plaistow crash, as published by the Union Leader and News Link Live.
- NBC Boston, report on the Plaistow crash.
- WHAV, "N.H. State Police Name Haverhill Woman, 3 Others Injured in Thursday Plaistow Crash."
- Concord Monitor, New Hampshire 2024 traffic fatality totals.
- Mayo Clinic. PTSD in Car Accident Survivors.
Corrections: Granite State Report corrects verified errors promptly and appends a dated note identifying what changed and when. The corrections policy and the corrections register are public, and correction notes are never removed.
