Grantham, Lebanon Crews Rescue Driver After SUV Plunges Into Sugar River

An SUV missed a corner on Route 10 in Grantham and plunged into the Sugar River after hitting slush and launching over a snowbank, but the driver walked away uninjured after local crews stabilized the vehicle and brought the driver up the riverbank. Grantham and Lebanon emergency personnel responded to the scene, stopping traffic while they worked to secure the vehicle and the roadway.

Responders used a ladder to assist the driver up the bank after securing the SUV in the river, and crews kept Route 10 closed to traffic for roughly one hour as operations continued. A photographer’s image of the rescue accompanies this report, showing responders at the edge of the river and the vehicle partially in the water.

The incident, which occurred January 22, 2026, underscores how winter driving conditions on Route 10 can quickly turn hazardous for motorists. Slush and snowbanks at roadside edges can contribute to loss of control at corners, and the proximity of the Sugar River to the roadway raises the stakes when a vehicle leaves pavement. For Grantham and Lebanon residents who use Route 10 as a daily connector, the event reinforces the need for caution on untreated or slushy stretches of road.

Beyond immediate public-safety impact, the response highlights local interagency coordination. Grantham and Lebanon crews moved quickly to stabilize the scene, perform a safe extrication, and reopen the road to traffic. That operational tempo minimized disruption for commuters and emergency services while reducing risk of further incidents on the highway.

For municipal officials and road crews, the crash offers an operational prompt. Town and highway officials may want to review conditions at the corner involved and consider whether enhanced signage, targeted plowing, or temporary speed advisories during thaw-freeze cycles would reduce similar incidents. Residents should also take practical steps when weather turns: reduce speed on curves, leave additional stopping distance in slushy conditions, and avoid sudden steering inputs near snowbanks.

The quick resolution in this case meant no serious injuries, but it is a reminder that winter incidents on river-adjacent roadways carry elevated hazards. Expect routine follow-up from road crews and local responders as they assess any roadside damage and clear debris. For drivers who travel Route 10, the takeaway is straightforward: adjust driving to conditions and allow a little extra time during winter weather to avoid an unexpected trip into the Sugar River.