"Bob's Burgers" voice actor and comedian Eugene Mirman suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries Tuesday when his electric SUV crashed into a concrete toll plaza on New Hampshire's Everett Turnpike, bursting into flames before he was pulled to safety by a state trooper assigned to Gov. Kelly Ayotte's security detail.

Eugene Mirman
Eugene Mirman

The crash occurred shortly before noon on March 31 at the Bedford Toll Plaza in northbound lanes. Mirman, 51, of Massachusetts, was driving a 2026 Lucid Gravity when the vehicle struck the plaza structure, according to New Hampshire State Police. The impact caused the car to catch fire rapidly, trapping Mirman inside as smoke and flames engulfed the luxury electric SUV.

Ayotte and her security detail came upon the scene moments later while traveling the turnpike. A state trooper on the governor's protective detail, along with two bystanders who stopped to help, acted quickly to extract Mirman from the burning vehicle through a window, State Police Col. Mark Hall said. Ayotte left her own vehicle and retrieved a fire extinguisher to assist, though officials emphasized she was never in danger.

"The trooper, without hesitation, recognized it was a serious crash and that someone was still in the vehicle," Hall told reporters. "He was able to pull the person out through the window, along with a couple of bystanders who stopped to help."

Mirman was transported to Elliot Hospital in Manchester for treatment of serious injuries. His agent, Jay Gassner, issued a statement saying Mirman is "grateful to be on the mend" and thanking bystanders, state police, first responders and hospital staff.

"Eugene was in a very scary car accident," Gassner said. "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."

Mirman is best known for voicing the eccentric, keyboard-playing son Gene Belcher on the long-running Fox animated series "Bob's Burgers," a role he has performed across all 16 seasons. The show has earned multiple Emmy nominations and a dedicated fan base for its quirky humor and family dynamics. Mirman, who immigrated from Russia with his family at age 4, is also a stand-up comedian who has appeared on "Flight of the Conchords" and released comedy specials.

The Bedford Toll Plaza, currently undergoing a multi-year conversion to an all-electronic tolling system as part of a $16 million project, has seen multiple crashes in recent years. The ongoing construction aims to improve safety and modernize collection, but full completion is not expected until fall 2027. Northbound lanes were closed for several hours Tuesday as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, using specialized blankets to combat the lithium-ion battery fire common in electric vehicles.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as smoke billowed from the wrecked Lucid Gravity. One bystander, Michael Sullivan, told local media he stopped to help and initially believed there might be a child in the car after Mirman made incoherent statements. Sullivan contacted Mirman's wife, who confirmed their child was safe with her, and relayed the information to emergency personnel.

Gov. Ayotte, a Republican who took office in January 2025, posted on X thanking the trooper and bystanders for their "brave life-saving efforts." She and her husband offered prayers for Mirman's full recovery.

No charges have been filed, and the crash remains under investigation. State police have not released details on possible causes, such as speed, distraction or medical issues, but confirmed Mirman was the sole occupant.

The incident highlights the challenges of electric vehicle fires, which can burn hotter and longer than gasoline-fueled ones and require specialized firefighting techniques. First responders used thermal imaging and containment methods to manage the blaze safely.

Mirman's representatives have not provided further medical updates, but sources close to the actor described his injuries as serious yet stable. He remains hospitalized as of Thursday morning.

The rescue drew widespread attention online, with fans of "Bob's Burgers" expressing relief and gratitude to the first responders. Social media posts mixed well-wishes for Mirman with praise for the quick actions of Ayotte's security detail and bystanders.

The event also spotlighted Ayotte's hands-on response. The former U.S. senator has emphasized public safety during her governorship, and her detail's rapid intervention underscored the value of well-trained protective teams even in routine travel.

Electric vehicle safety has been a growing topic in New Hampshire and nationally, with incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires prompting calls for better training and infrastructure. The Lucid Gravity, a premium electric SUV, is known for its advanced technology and luxury features, but like other EVs, it carries specific fire risks in high-impact collisions.

Mirman's career spans stand-up comedy, voice acting and occasional live-action roles. His distinctive voice and comedic timing have made Gene Belcher one of the most recognizable characters on "Bob's Burgers," a show that continues to air new episodes and attract family audiences.

As Mirman recovers, colleagues from the entertainment industry have begun reaching out privately, according to sources. The close-knit voice-acting community often rallies around members during personal challenges.

State police urged drivers to remain vigilant near construction zones and toll plazas, especially during periods of transition to new electronic systems. Temporary barriers and signage are in place at the Bedford site while repairs and investigations continue.

The crash occurred on a relatively clear Tuesday morning with no reported severe weather contributing to the incident. Traffic was diverted for hours, causing delays on the busy Everett Turnpike corridor connecting southern New Hampshire to the Massachusetts border.

For Mirman, the ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of everyday travel. His agent's plea for privacy reflects the actor's typically low-key personal life away from the spotlight of his animated work.

As details of the rescue spread through national media, the story blended celebrity, heroism and the realities of highway safety in a single dramatic event. Ayotte's security detail, often operating behind the scenes, found itself briefly thrust into the public eye for life-saving actions.

New Hampshire State Police continue to examine the vehicle's data recorders and surrounding surveillance footage to piece together the sequence of events leading to the impact. Preliminary findings may be released in coming weeks, though full reports often take months.

Mirman's fans have taken to social media with messages of support, sharing clips of Gene Belcher's memorable moments and hoping for a speedy recovery so the voice behind one of television's most beloved oddballs can return to work.

The incident remains a single-vehicle accident with no other parties involved. Officials have not indicated any impairment or mechanical failure at this early stage of the probe.

In the broader context, the rescue highlights how ordinary moments on the highway can intersect with public figures and government officials in unexpected ways. For one comedian known for making audiences laugh, a frightening crash turned into a story of quick-thinking heroism by those sworn to protect others.

Mirman is expected to remain hospitalized for further evaluation and treatment. Updates on his condition will likely come through his representatives as he focuses on recovery.