Dover, NH – Two individuals were transported to local hospitals Friday morning after a pickup truck struck a Modern Hampshire Department of Transportation plow truck on Route 16 North near Exit 7, according to New Hampshire State Police. The incident, which occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m., resulted in the temporary closure of both northbound lanes and is currently under investigation, with authorities pointing to possible negligent and distracted driving as contributing factors.
Troopers responding to the scene found a 2026 Nissan Frontier wedged underneath the rear of a 2026 International Harvester plow truck. Preliminary investigations indicate the DOT truck was actively plowing the left breakdown lane when the collision occurred. The impact trapped the driver of the pickup, requiring emergency crews to extricate him from the vehicle. This incident highlights the dangers faced by both motorists and road maintenance crews, particularly during winter weather conditions when visibility can be reduced and roads are challenging.
Details of the Route 16 Crash
The driver of the Nissan Frontier, identified as 52-year-old Michael Willette of Dover, was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening, according to State Police. Luke Marsters, 32, of New Durham, the driver of the DOT plow truck, was also transported to a hospital for a precautionary evaluation. Both northbound lanes of Route 16 were closed for approximately one hour while crews worked to clear the scene and investigate the crash. Traffic was diverted to the right breakdown lane during the closure, causing delays for commuters.
Dover Fire & Rescue, Troop G of the New Hampshire State Police, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation all assisted Troop A at the scene. The New Hampshire State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction (CAR) Unit is leading the investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Philip Sheehy at [email protected] or (603) 223-4381.
Investigation Focuses on Driver Behavior
While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have indicated that negligent and distracted driving are potential contributing factors in the collision. According to reports, this suggests investigators are examining factors such as speeding, following too closely, or use of electronic devices while driving. The incident serves as a reminder for drivers to remain vigilant and focused on the road, especially when traveling near work zones or during inclement weather.
The crash also prompted a response from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), according to a Facebook post by the New Hampshire State Police. This suggests a review of safety protocols related to road maintenance operations may be underway.
This incident follows another recent traffic-related incident on Route 16, where a pedestrian was struck and killed, as reported by the New Hampshire State Police. Details of that incident are still under investigation.
As of Friday afternoon, all lanes of Route 16 North have reopened. The New Hampshire State Police continue to urge anyone with information about the pickup truck and plow truck collision to come forward. The focus now shifts to a thorough investigation to determine the precise circumstances that led to this incident and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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