Police tried to track down suspected impaired driver prior to fatal crash

Scene of Thursday's horrific crash in Merrimack (State Police photo)

MERRIMACK - Police reported today that one of the drivers who died in a head-on collision on the Everett Turnpike on Thursday was driving erratically prior to the accident and had taken a U-turn headed northbound against traffic before impact.

Investigators say a witness observed the Honda Ridgeline, driven by Vincent P. Forgione, 24, of Bedford, making the U-turn.

Also killed in the crash was Elizabeth Croke, 20, of Merrimack, who was driving a 2016 Audi.

State Police say that Forgioni was being sought by Troopers on I-93 in Hooksett after a caller had reported it to be operating erratically.

Around 20 minutes later, while Troopers attempted to locate the vehicle, they received a report of the crash in Merrimack.

Upon arriving on scene, Troopers determined that the same Honda was the subject of the call to 911.

All aspects of the crash remain under investigation at this time. Impaired operation on the part of Forgioni is a suspected contributing factor.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact Tr. B. Tallon at the New Hampshire State Police - Troop B Barracks at 603-223-3849.