Two People Hurt in Multiple Car Crash on I-95 Bridge

UPDATED, 5:15 p.m.: Two people were hurt in a four-car crash on the Piscataqua Bridge on I-95 northbound during the Wednesday evening commute after a chunk of ice from a tractor-trailer truck that was traveling south struck the windshield of the lead car.

Portsmouth Fire Capt. Ken Smith said Portsmouth firefighters, New Hampshire State Police and Maine State Police responded to the middle of the high-level bridge just after 4 p.m. The drivers and occupants of the other three vehicles involved were not hurt and were released after they were evaluated at the scene, Smith said.

"It was very windy, very windy, and pieces of ice were coming down on us when we got there," Smith said.

Northbound traffic was backed up for a few miles as wrecker crews removed the heavily damaged vehicles from the scene. Smith said the two people who were in the first vehicle that was struck by the ice were transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital by Portsmouth Fire Rescue ambulance.

Smith said he has seen his share of accidents caused by ice that blows off of vehicles, which is why it is important for people to make sure they clear off snow and ice before they head out.

Earlier story: Emergency crews are at the scene of a multiple car crash on the Interstate 95 bridge in Portsmouth at this hour.

The accident was reported around 4 p.m. on I-95 north on the Piscataqua River bridge, just before the Maine line, according to emergency radio broadcasts. There were reportedly at least five vehicles involved in the crash.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation just sent out a tweet urging motorists to approach the accident scene with care and expect delays.