A dramatic scene unfolded in Newmarket, New Hampshire on Saturday night as an SUV crashed directly into a family's home. The occupants, a mother and her young child, thankfully escaped the incident unharmed.
According to the WMUR report, the crash occurred at around 8:45 p.m. this Monday, August 28th, at the intersection of Lee Hook Road and Wadleigh Falls Road. In a fortunate twist, the mother and toddler were sleeping upstairs at the time, avoiding the chaos below.
First reponse personnel arrived on the scene to find the driver, 74-year-old Thomas Ridlon of Durham, NH, trapped in his 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan with the vehicle completely embedded into the home's front room. The WHDH account reveals further that Ridlon was charged with DUI – Impairment and Open Container.
As mentioned in CBS News Boston's coverage, the fire department played a crucial role in safely extracting everyone from the wreckage. The home's occupants were able to make it out safely, while Ridlon was extricated from the vehicle and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. No details were provided on the condition of Ridlon after the incident.
During the ordeal, none of the home's residents sustained any injuries, although the structural integrity of the house has been undeniably compromised. Boston 25 News reports that the family is now staying with relatives until the home can be evaluated for safety.
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the crash to contact Sergeant Annaliese Schmidt at (603) 659-8505.
