HAMPTON, N.H. — A tractor-trailer driver from Maine is accused of operating under the influence following a crash early Friday morning on Interstate 95 in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire State Troopers found a fully loaded tractor-trailer just off the southbound lane that was stuck in the mud near the center median in North Hampton around 1:40 a.m., the New Hampshire Department of Safety said Friday in a news release.
Officials said they were working to determine what caused 46-year-old Nathaniel Ray of Lisbon Falls to lose control.
"A substantial amount of debris was also sent onto the travel lanes of the interstate as a result of the crash," the release stated.
Troopers said Ray displayed signs of impairment at the scene, which resulted in his arrest for driving under the influence and criminal mischief. He was also cited with multiple commercial motor vehicle violations.
Two southbound travel lanes on I-95 were closed for about 2.5 hours while emergency personnel worked to remove the tractor-trailer, along with associated debris.
Ray was processed by the Hampton Police Department and released on personal recognizance.
"Based on his level of impairment, Ray was temporarily held in protective custody at the Rockingham County House of Corrections," the release stated.
Ray is scheduled to appear in court on April 18.
Other agencies assisting the New Hampshire State Police at the scene included the Hampton Police Department, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, and National Wrecker Service, the release stated.
All aspects of the incident remain under further investigation by Trooper Jacob Benjamin and Trooper Patrick Vetter. Anyone who may have additional information is asked to contact Trooper Benjamin via email at Jacob.A.Benjamin@DOS.NH.GOV or Trooper Vetter at Patrick.R.Vetter@DOS.NH.GOV.