State police: Driver struck line

State police say a Newmarket driver struck the back of a line-painting truck on I-95 North in Hampton Falls Wednesday night.

A Newmarket driver crashed into the back of a line-painting truck in a construction zone on I-95 North in Hampton Falls Wednesday night, officials say.

State police said Donald Mackinnon, 81, was driving his Mercedes SUV northbound about 9:30 p.m. when the vehicle struck the rear of the construction vehicle. The impact caused the SUV to roll onto its roof in the middle of the interstate, trapping Mackinnon and a passenger inside.

First responders got the two out of the vehicle and took them to Portsmouth Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to a news release. No one on the construction crew was hurt.

The crash led to the closure of three lanes on the northbound interstate for two hours, police said.

State police said fatigue is believed to have been a factor in the crash.

Officials said the “moving lane closure” construction zone included preemptive warning signs, four construction trucks, two marked police cruisers and the line-painting truck. All had their emergency lights activated.

State police are reminding drivers during the busy summer construction season to remain vigilant, take a break if feeling tired, and move over for emergency vehicles.

State police are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact Trooper Steven Galvin at 603-223-4381 or by email: [email protected].

Letters may be up to 250 words. Longer opinions can be sent to [email protected].