Woman injured when vehicle strikes bridge, lands in river

Scene of early morning accident on I-95 on Saturday. (NHSP photo)

HAMPTON - A motorist was injured early Saturday morning when her vehicle crashed into an Interstate 95 bridge and plunged into water below.

The crash occurred just before 1 a.m. when a 2015 Honda Pilot struck the Taylor River Bridge.

Upon arrival, Troopers located a 2015 Honda Pilot heavily damaged lying on its side and partially submerged in the Taylor River. A brief investigation determined the Honda was traveling southbound when it left the roadway, traveled through the median and struck the bridge.

It then plunged into the river landing on its passenger side.

The driver was extricated and transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital with undetermined injuries. Police say she was wearing her seat belt, which is believed to have saved her from serious injury.

Three travel lanes of Interstate 95 were closed for around two hours.

All aspects of this crash remain under investigation by State Police, but distracted driving and speed appear to be factors. State Police are requesting that anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the vehicle prior to the crash, contact the investigating trooper, Trooper Stephen Galvin by email at Stephen.M.Galvin@dos.nh.gov.