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Crash pins car beneath tanker in NH

HAMPTON, N.H. — Wednesday afternoon’s driving conditions are being blamed for a crash that left a small car pinned completely underneath a tractor trailer.

Surprisingly, police said, neither driver involved was seriously injured.

The crash happened just after 2 p.m. on Route 101 eastbound in the Hampton NH area.

Police said they believe Daniel Decoteau, 34, of Milford, NH, was driving his Honda Civic on the left lane when he lost control and slid into a tanker being driver by Aquiles Martinez, 52, of Somerville, Mass., in the right lane.

Both vehicles then slid into a concrete jersey barrier on the left side of the roadway, and the Civic was pinned under the tanker and against the barrier.

“You couldn't even see the car until you walked up next to it,” NH State Police Trooper Harrison Walters said.

Decoteau was able to climb out of the passenger window without injury. Martinez suffered minor injuries.

“We usually see bad crashes but don't have the outcome that this one did,” Walker said. “It's amazing he was able to climb out through the window and under the tanker and to the roadway.”

Police said Martinez’s tanker was empty at the time of the crash, and not used to transport hazardous materials.

So far no charges have been filed.