A dramatic and dangerous crash at the Bedford Toll Plaza brought traffic to a standstill on Tuesday, leaving one driver seriously injured and sparking a heroic rescue effort.
What Happened?
The incident occurred just before noon on the Everett Turnpike, one of the region’s busiest highways. According to officials, a 2026 Lucid Gravity SUV slammed into the toll plaza and quickly burst into flames.
Witnesses immediately called emergency services, reporting that the driver was trapped inside the burning vehicle—turning the situation into a life-threatening emergency within seconds.
Driver Rescued in Critical Condition
The driver, 51-year-old Yevgeny Mirman of Massachusetts, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Thanks to quick action by bystanders and authorities, he was pulled out of the burning car before it was too late.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, though further details about his condition have not yet been released.
Heroic Rescue Effort
In a remarkable turn of events, a state trooper assigned to the security detail of Kelly Ayotte happened to be passing by at the time of the crash.
Without hesitation, the trooper—along with the governor and other witnesses—jumped into action and helped pull the driver from the vehicle.
Officials later described the response as “heroic,” highlighting how quick thinking and bravery likely saved the driver’s life.
Major Traffic Disruptions
The crash caused significant disruption on the northbound lanes of the Everett Turnpike:
- All northbound lanes were initially shut down
- Traffic remained heavily affected for several hours
- Partial reopening began around 5 p.m.
- At least one lane continued to remain closed into the evening
Commuters faced long delays as emergency crews worked to clear debris and secure the area.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have not filed any charges so far, but the case remains under active investigation. Officials are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward.
Not the First Incident at This Location
This crash marks the second accident at the Bedford Toll Plaza in just three days. A separate incident earlier involved a driver arrested for alleged drunk driving after crashing into the same toll area.
Local officials acknowledged that the toll plaza has seen multiple serious and even fatal crashes in the past, raising ongoing concerns about safety at the site.
Final Thoughts
This incident is a stark reminder of how quickly road accidents can escalate—and how crucial immediate action can be. The bravery shown by responders and witnesses turned what could have been a fatal tragedy into a story of survival.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about what led to the crash and whether further safety measures are needed at this high-risk toll location.
