Police: Drowsy Driver Caused Morning Turnpike Crash

Police say a driver who fell asleep behind the wheel on the F.E. Everett Turnpike Thursday morning is at fault for a two-car accident shortly after 9 a.m.

State Police say they received multiple calls around 9:15 a.m. for a two-vehicle crash that occurred when a black 2011 Chevy Suburban, operated by Daniel Delprete, 17, of Rockland, Mass., drifted off the northbound side of the highway, crashed over the guardrail and struck a 2003 red Honda Civic being driven southbound by Robert Vidaver, 49, of Henniker.

The accident occurred north of Exit 11 near the Baboosic Lake Road overpass and created morning traffic delays on both sides of the highway.

Delprete was transported to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua by Merrimack Fire Rescue for minor injuries. Vidaver was transported to the Elliott Hospital in Manchester by Bedford Fire Rescue for minor injuries. 

The Merrimack Police Department, Merrimack Fire Department, Bedford Fire Department and New Hampshire Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.