MANCHESTER, Hillsborough County, N.H., Oct. 14, 2026 — Five people, including four teenagers, were assessed for injuries on Tuesday afternoon, October 13, after a crash at the intersection of Lincoln Street and Manchester Street in Manchester. The collision was reported around 3 p.m.
Two ambulances responded to the scene. Advanced life support (ALS) crews evaluated four teenagers and one adult at the intersection, though it was not immediately clear how many required hospital transport.
The nature and severity of the injuries have not been released. It is also unconfirmed how many vehicles were involved or what led up to the crash.
No further details, including the vehicles involved or any citations issued, have been released as of this writing. The investigation remains active.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
What Makes Intersection Crashes So Severe
Intersection crashes often involve vehicles traveling in different directions, so the force of impact is not absorbed head-on or from behind, where crumple zones are designed to do the most work. A side or angled hit can direct energy into the passenger compartment, where there is less structure to absorb it.
Speed matters less at intersections than on highways, but closing speed between two vehicles crossing paths can still be substantial even at posted city limits. A driver who looks away from the road for just a second or two, whether to check a phone or glance at a passenger, can lose the small window of time needed to brake or steer clear of another vehicle entering the intersection. That lost reaction time is often the difference between a near miss and a collision.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023. Seatbelts and airbags reduce harm in these crashes, but they work best when a vehicle's structure directs force away from occupants, something intersection angles can make harder to achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at or near intersections, where vehicles cross paths, turn, or stop suddenly in close proximity to other traffic.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Staying alert, avoiding phone use behind the wheel, and obeying posted signals at intersections all help drivers react in time to avoid a crash.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Neck and back strain, broken bones, and head injuries are frequently reported after collisions, though severity varies widely depending on speed and impact location.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, and impaired driving are among the most frequently cited factors in crash reports nationwide.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Manchester, NH
If you're involved in a crash, move to a safe area if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries, especially to the head or neck, aren't obvious right after a crash.
Exchange information with other drivers involved and note any details you can, like weather conditions or traffic signals, while they're fresh in your memory. Request a copy of the official police report once it's available, as it may be useful for insurance purposes. Above all, take care of yourself and your passengers first. The paperwork can wait.
