TILTON, N.H. – August 8, 2025 — A tragic overnight accident in central New Hampshire has claimed the life of a commercial truck driver after his vehicle veered off the highway and plummeted into the Winnipesaukee River.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred shortly before 2:00 a.m. Friday morning on Interstate 93 southbound near Tilton. Emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting a large commercial truck had crashed through the passing lane bridge guardrail and disappeared from view. First responders arrived to find a devastating scene: the truck had broken through the metal barrier and landed in the river far below, partially submerged and heavily damaged.
Rescue efforts were launched immediately, involving Tilton Police, local firefighters, EMS teams, and state transportation personnel, all of whom worked under dangerous conditions to assess the scene and reach the driver. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the truck’s sole occupant — the unidentified driver — was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not released the driver’s name pending notification of next of kin.
The cause of the crash remains under active investigation. Authorities are working to determine whether speed, mechanical failure, driver fatigue, or environmental conditions may have played a role in the fatal plunge. No other vehicles were believed to be involved in the accident.
The wreckage was located near an area of the interstate where the road is elevated over the river — a spot that has seen several close calls in past years but rarely a crash of this severity. The truck, which landed nose-first into the water, was difficult to access, prompting authorities to close a portion of I-93 for several hours during the recovery operation. Heavy-duty wreckers and river rescue crews were brought in to assist with removal efforts.
Witnesses described the scene as “heartbreaking” and “chaotic,” with emergency lights reflecting off the river and responders working tirelessly in the early morning darkness.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss of life,” said one official on scene. “Our thoughts go out to the driver’s family and friends. We are thankful for the rapid response by all involved in what was a very difficult and dangerous rescue and recovery effort.”
Crews remained on site through much of Friday morning, ensuring debris was cleared and the structural integrity of the bridge was not compromised by the crash. Transportation engineers are inspecting the damaged guardrail and bridge supports as part of standard post-accident safety protocol.
Motorists were urged to use caution and expect delays as the scene was cleared.
The New Hampshire State Police, in conjunction with the Department of Transportation and other local agencies, will continue to investigate the fatal crash. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area is asked to contact authorities.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local trucking and transportation communities, as yet another reminder of the dangers professional drivers face on the road.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
#News603 | Tilton, NH | I-93 Fatal Crash | Winnipesaukee River
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