A Concord man is now facing multiple charges after driving in the wrong direction and causing damage on Interstate 93. The incident, which could easily have spiraled into tragedy, played out on yesterday afternoon amidst a winter storm impacting the area. Matthew Burt, 33, allegedly drove his pickup truck northbound in the southbound lanes of the highway, leading to a swift response from the New Hampshire State Troopers to mitigate the threat.
Troopers, having been alerted around 4 p.m., proceeded to work with local police agencies, attempting to slow down and manage traffic to actively prevent a potential high-speed collision. Despite their efforts, the driver continued to defy not only the flow of traffic but also the commands of law enforcement. Burt reportedly maneuvered past the Troopers' barricades and, in the process, struck two other vehicles, as detailed by an official incident report by the New Hampshire State Police.
The authorities finally managed to bring the errant truck to a halt at 4:11 p.m., near mile marker 52, utilizing a tire deflation device which effectively disabled the vehicle without further incident. In a coordinated effort, the Troopers managed to arrest Burt who now faces a range of serious charges including aggravated DUI, felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, and several others indicating a stark disregard for public safety.
"Troopers have determined that Burt traveled at least 12 miles in the wrong direction on I-93 and caused damage to three vehicles throughout the incident," stated the New Hampshire State Police in their report. Burt was held at Merrimack County Jail, pending his arraignment. Meanwhile, the drivers involved in the collisions with Burt's pickup were checked by emergency services on the scene and thankfully required no further medical attention.
The State Police took the opportunity to express gratitude towards the witnesses who played a crucial role in the safe resolution of the dangerous situation. Furthermore, they acknowledged the assistance from the Canterbury, Northfield, and Tilton police departments for their help in managing the incident. As the investigation continues, the State Police encourage anyone with additional information to reach out to Trooper Ben Olmstead through the provided contact details in their statement.
