4 walk away from head-on collision

MEREDITH — Four people walked away from a head-on collision on Daniel Webster Highway (Rte. 3 South) yesterday afternoon.

Police said Stephen Poehler of Meredith was driving north toward Meredith Village near Latchkey Lane in a maroon full-sized Ford van when he crossed the center line.

He was hit head on by Gary Jardine of Merrimack who was driving a Toyota Sienna and headed toward Laconia.

The Ford van continued on Route 3 and went down an embankment near Griddle in the Middle restaurant, striking a guide cable for a utility pole. The Sienna came to rest in the middle of Route 3.

Fire Capt. Jay Haines said he was on the first truck that arrived and all four people — two in each vehicle — were able to get out of their respective vehicles without assistance.

Haines said all four people were evaluated by Meredith Fire Department personnel and left with either friends or relatives.

Aside from traffic, Haines said there were a few tense moments when first responders realized the guide wire was on top of live electrical wires.

"Fortunately it was grounded," he said.

He said workers from the New Hampshire Electric Coop responded and fixed the guide line. He said there was no power outage.

Police continue to investigate.