A routine afternoon on Interstate 93 turned deadly Monday when a van slammed into a stopped car in the breakdown lane, killing a Londonderry man, according to New Hampshire State Police. Investigators say a 2007 Ford Focus was stopped in the right breakdown lane of I-93 south just before 2 p.m. when a 2015 Chevrolet Express van hit it from behind. The Focus driver, 53-year-old Larry Niles Jr. of Londonderry, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The van driver, identified as 22-year-old Aiden McCarthy of Dracut, Massachusetts, was not hurt.
State police said the crash happened on I-93 south near mile marker 10, and that both vehicles ultimately came to rest in the right breakdown lane, according to Yahoo News, which cited a New Hampshire State Police release. Niles was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Authorities said no charges have been filed at this time.
A preliminary investigation indicates the Focus had been stopped on the shoulder when the van driven by McCarthy struck it from behind, causing the Focus to roll over, police said. The van remained at the scene, and McCarthy was uninjured, per reporting by Yahoo News. The New Hampshire State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation.
Where it happened
The crash took place on I-93 south near mile marker 10 in the Derry and Londonderry area, not far from Exit 4, a stretch that has seen its share of serious collisions in recent years. As a fiery fatal crash on I-93 south in 2023 highlighted, major incidents on this corridor have previously shut down lanes and required lengthy investigations, a grim reminder of how quickly a stop on the shoulder can turn deadly on the interstate.
Investigation
State police say the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and is working to determine why the Focus was stopped in the breakdown lane and whether any criminal charges are warranted. According to Boston 25 News, anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Trooper Eric Torrens at [email protected].
Officials have not said what, if any, charges may follow as the investigation continues. This story will be updated as state police release more details.
