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N.H. firefighter injured during mitigation of hazardous materials in van crash

A Londonderry firefighter was injured during an MVC that involved several auto maintenance chemicals

By Shawne Wickham
The New Hampshire Union Leader

LONDONDERRY, N.H. — A driver, and a firefighter who responded to help, were injured after a van carrying hazardous materials crashed on I-93 Tuesday afternoon.

First responders were called to the rollover crash on I-93 northbound around 4:30 p.m. and found a cargo van had crashed and landed in the highway median, leaving a wide debris field.

Paramedics treated the male driver at the scene and transported him to a hospital.

Firefighters determined that the van contained hazardous materials, and the Southeastern New Hampshire Hazardous Materials Mutual Aid District was called to help.

First responders used rescue tools to gain access to the van’s cargo area and used ventilation fans to mitigate the fumes. But one firefighter, whose name was not released, was injured in the process, and taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Battalion Chief Bruce Hallowell III said the hazardous materials were petroleum and aerosol-based chemicals used in auto maintenance. The injured firefighter was treated and released, the chief said.

Two lanes of the southbound side of the highway were closed as firefighters worked to mitigate the hazards. The state Department of Environmental Services was notified about petroleum products that had spilled into the ground.

New Hampshire State Police is investigating the crash.

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