Three killed in head-on crash on Route 101 in Candia

CANDIA - Three people were killed on Saturday in a horrific head-on crash on Route 101 in Candia.

The collision involving three vehicles occurred around 12:20 p.m. when State Police say the driver of a 2010 Toyota Tundra was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed before side-swiping a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The Toyota then struck a guardrail on the eastbound side, veered across the center median and into the westbound lanes of travel before slamming into a 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer head-on.

The drivers of the Toyota and the Jeep died from injuries sustained in the crash, while a passenger in the Jeep suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Elliot Hospital where he later died.

The driver and passenger of the Nissan Sentra, identified as Timothy McMahon, 57, and Kelly McMahon, 18, both of Peterborough, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Elliot Hospital as a precaution. The names of the deceased are not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.

The westbound and eastbound lanes of Route 101 were closed until westbound traffic could be rerouted, then the eastbound lanes were reopened. The westbound lanes were completely shut down for about four hours while Troopers investigated the scene.

While speed appears to be a factor in the crash, all aspects remain under investigation. Troopers have spoken with multiple witnesses, however, anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn't already spoken with police is asked to contact Trooper Will Bohnenberger at William.F.Bohnenberger@dos.nh.gov or (603) 223-4381.