Ammo Explodes After Car Crashes Off New Hampshire’s I-93, Catches Fire

A crash into the woods off Interstate 93 in Bow turned explosive Saturday afternoon when ammunition inside a car exploded.

A car driving erratically in the northbound lanes just before 3 p.m. hit a jersey barrier in the middle of the highway near Interstate 89, then ricocheted backwards and hit another car, according to New Hampshire State Police. The vehicle continued into the woods along the road, hit several trees, and caught fire.

Several hundred rounds of ammunition inside the vehicle exploded as a result of the fire, forcing both the northbound and southbound lanes to be closed for a time.

The gasses released by the heated gunpowder will expand when exposed to fire and explode. However, the bullets are unlikely to leave the case, according to the website technology.org.

Three people inside the vehicle escaped before first responders came, thanks in part to the efforts of witnesses and Good Samaritans who stopped to help. The name of the individuals inside the vehicle were not disclosed.

One person was taken to a hospital for treatment of "significant but non-life threatening injuries," according to State Police. A person inside the vehicle also was arrested on several warrants, and additional charges may be forthcoming pending the outcome of the investigation.

Police asked anyone with dash cam footage of the incident to call 603-227-0038.

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