Eugene Mirman was hospitalized after a single-vehicle crash into the Bedford Toll Plaza on March 31, leaving the Bob’s Burgers star with serious—but reportedly non-life‑threatening—injuries, officials said April 1. This collision, which involved a 2026 Lucid Gravity, left the car engulfed in flames and prompted a dramatic rescue that bystanders and state troopers described as lifesaving.
New Hampshire State Police said in a news release that Mirman, 51, was driving northbound on the F.E. Everett Turnpike when his vehicle struck the toll plaza just after midday. A veteran trooper assigned to Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s security detail arrived and—along with the governor and other witnesses—pulled Mirman from the burning car through a window. Mirman was then taken by ambulance to Elliot Hospital in Manchester with “serious injuries,” and lanes at the plaza were closed for hours before several reopened by about 5 p.m.
“Certainly, their actions were heroic in what they did,” Col. Mark B. Hall of the New Hampshire State Police said, praising the troopers and bystanders for prompt aid. Gov. Ayotte posted on X, “I want to thank the Trooper on my security detail and the bystanders who stepped up to help at the scene of the crash for their brave lifesaving efforts. Joe and I are praying for the full recovery of the driver who was injured today.”
Mirman’s agent released a statement April 1 saying the comedian was grateful to be “on the mend” and asking for privacy as he focuses on recovery. Witness Michael Sullivan told a local station that Mirman briefly muttered that his child was in the car—an alarm that was quickly resolved when Mirman’s wife, actress Therese Plaehn, confirmed their 9‑year‑old son was safe (she and the child were not at the scene).
Mirman, a Somerville resident who grew up in Lexington and attended Hampshire College, has voiced Gene Belcher across all 16 seasons of Bob’s Burgers and reprised the role in the 2022 Bob’s Burgers Movie. He is also known for stand‑up specials and appearances on shows including Flight of the Conchords and Archer.
All aspects of the crash remain under investigation and no charges have been filed, authorities said. The state police news release noted the vehicle “immediately became engulfed in flames” after impact with cement barriers at the toll booths; investigators have not released a determination about cause or whether vehicle make played a role.
One important angle worth watching: high‑impact collisions at toll plazas often produce complex crash dynamics—and when an electric vehicle is involved, questions about battery containment and post‑impact fire behavior tend to draw extra scrutiny. That scrutiny could shape any safety recommendations that follow from this investigation.
Fans and colleagues reacted quickly online, sending wishes for Mirman’s recovery and sharing appreciation for the trooper and other rescuers. For now, Mirman’s immediate ask is privacy; beyond that, the probe and hospital updates will be the clearest indicators of his road to recovery.
What’s next: investigators will continue to examine vehicle data, scene evidence and witness statements; family representatives have not provided a medical timeline. The actor’s rep asked for privacy as he recovers, and authorities say they will release further information as it becomes available.