On the morning of March 31, 2026, the usually quiet Bedford Toll Plaza on New Hampshire’s F.E. Everett Turnpike was suddenly transformed into the scene of a harrowing rescue. At approximately 11:55 a.m., a 2026 Lucid Gravity electric SUV collided with the concrete structure of the toll plaza, bursting into flames. The driver inside was Eugene Mirman, the 51-year-old comedian and voice actor best known for bringing the beloved character Gene Belcher to life on Fox’s long-running animated series Bob’s Burgers.
According to New Hampshire State Police, Mirman’s vehicle erupted into a fiery blaze immediately after the crash. The situation was dire: smoke billowed from the car, and bystanders watched in shock as flames threatened to engulf the entire vehicle. But fate—and the quick actions of several heroes—intervened.
Among the first to respond was a veteran State Trooper assigned to Governor Kelly Ayotte’s security detail. As reported by PEOPLE, the trooper quickly assessed the danger and, without hesitation, pulled Mirman from the burning car through a window. Governor Ayotte herself, who happened to be traveling through the plaza with her security team, also leapt into action. According to statements from New Hampshire authorities and as relayed by WCVB, Ayotte exited her vehicle and attempted to assist, at one point grabbing a fire extinguisher to help contain the blaze. Thankfully, she was never in harm’s way, but her presence and concern were noted by all at the scene.
Other witnesses and bystanders joined in the rescue, helping the trooper to bring Mirman to safety. Once freed from the wreckage, Mirman was transported by ambulance to Elliot Hospital in nearby Manchester with serious, though not life-threatening, injuries. As of April 2, he was said to be focusing on his recovery, grateful to be alive and on the mend.
Mirman’s representative, Jay Glassner, released a statement on behalf of the actor, which was shared by Variety, TMZ, and other outlets: “Eugene was in a very scary car accident. He wants to thank the bystanders, state police, first responders and hospital staff who saved him. He is grateful to be on the mend. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Eugene and his family as he focuses on recovering from his injuries.”
Colonel Mark B. Hall of the New Hampshire State Police praised the courage of those who intervened. In a press release cited by multiple news organizations, Hall said, “Certainly, their actions were heroic in what they did. Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it.”
Governor Ayotte also took to social media to acknowledge the heroism of her security detail and the bystanders. “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 today,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Joe and I are praying for the full recovery of the driver who was injured today.”
Authorities have confirmed that no charges have been filed in connection with the crash, and the incident remains under investigation as of April 1, 2026. Police emphasized that all aspects of the crash are being reviewed, from the cause of the collision to the response at the scene. The Bedford Toll Plaza itself has a history of accidents and is currently undergoing a $16 million transformation to an all-electronic tolling system, expected to be completed by fall 2027. The modernization aims to improve safety and reduce such incidents in the future, though this latest crash underscores the urgency of the project.
Mirman, who was born Yevgeny Mirman in Moscow, Russia, and immigrated to the United States as a child, has made a name for himself both as a stand-up comedian and as a prolific voice actor. He has voiced Gene Belcher in over 300 episodes across 16 seasons of Bob’s Burgers, a role that has endeared him to fans of all ages. The series itself has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program, and Mirman’s portrayal of the quirky, musically inclined middle child is often cited as a highlight of the show.
Beyond Bob’s Burgers, Mirman’s resume is extensive. As noted by Entertainment Weekly and PEOPLE, he has appeared in acclaimed television comedies such as Flight of the Conchords, Delocated, Archer, Broad City, Inside Amy Schumer, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. He has also contributed to animated projects like Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Home Movies, and starred in films including The Bob’s Burgers Movie and Confess, Fletch. Mirman is also known for his work as a comedy producer, having co-founded Pretty Good Friends, a production company that has helped launch numerous stand-up and variety shows.
Fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry have expressed their shock and support for Mirman in the wake of the accident. Social media has been flooded with well-wishes, and the outpouring of concern reflects Mirman’s widespread impact as both a performer and a person. The demand for privacy by his family and representatives has been respected, as the focus remains on his recovery.
The incident has also sparked renewed attention on the safety of the Bedford Toll Plaza. According to WMTW, the plaza has seen multiple crashes in recent years, prompting the ongoing transition to an all-electric system. While the cause of Mirman’s crash is still under investigation, authorities hope that planned upgrades will help prevent similar accidents in the future.
As of April 2, 2026, Eugene Mirman is recuperating, surrounded by gratitude for those who risked their own safety to save him. The quick-thinking trooper, Governor Ayotte’s hands-on involvement, and the selfless actions of bystanders combined to avert what could have been a far more tragic outcome. For fans of Bob’s Burgers and comedy lovers everywhere, Mirman’s ongoing recovery is a source of relief and hope.
Sometimes, the most extraordinary moments arise in the most unexpected places—a toll plaza, a Tuesday morning, a car engulfed in flames. For Eugene Mirman, the day’s events became a testament to the power of community, quick action, and a little bit of luck.