Good Samaritans Assist at I-93 Crash Scene

On Tuesday, July 22, at approximately 17:18 hours, New Hampshire State Police – Troop B Troopers came upon a rollover accident northbound on I-93, in the vicinity of the Exit 7 on ramp, in the city of Manchester.  

Upon their arrival to the scene, Troopers observed the vehicle, a 2008 Subaru Outback, which was resting on its roof in the right breakdown lane of the Exit 7 on ramp and beginning to catch on fire. 

Several good Samaritans were on scene and were attempting to offer assistance when the Troopers arrived. Two of these individuals were active members of the U.S. Army. Capt. Robert Burnham of the 12th Civil Support Team based out of Concord as well as Lee Kershaw of the Manchester U.S. Army Recruiting office. 

The operator of the vehicle, identified as Michelle Maslanka, 35, of Laconia, was trapped inside the vehicle as the vehicle was catching fire. Tr. Juan Infante had to break the front window in order to gain access to Maslanka to provide aid as others extinguished the fire. Maslanka’s 6-year-old daughter was removed from the vehicle by a good Samaritan and removed from the immediate area. Once Manchester Fire & Rescue personnel arrived on scene they were able to extricate Maslanka from the vehicle. 

Both Maslanka and her daughter were transported by ambulance to the Elliot Hospital for treatment. Maslanka suffered non-life threatening injuries and was admitted to the hospital for treatment. Maslanka’s daughter was treated and released from the hospital for minor injuries.

The initial investigation, comprised of witness statements and roadway evidence, indicated that as the Subaru was traveling north on I-93 for an unknown reason it veered to the right across the median at the Exit 7 on ramp, across the Exit 7 on ramp then off the right side of the ramp where it then struck a rock ledge which caused the vehicle to rollover and come to final rest in the right side break down lane on its roof as it began to catch on fire.

Troopers were assisted on scene by the Manchester Fire Department and the Department of Transportation. The Exit 7 on ramp in this area was limited to one lane for approximately 60 minutes while the accident was investigated. 

This accident investigation is active and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Trooper Ryan Hajjar at the NH State Police – Troop B barracks at 603-666-3333. 

Submitted by the New Hampshire State Police.