Multi-vehicle crash in Tilton claims life of motorcyclist

A four-vehicle crash took the life of a motorcyclist in Tilton on Thursday evening.

Around 8:30 p.m., crews with Tilton-Northfield Fire and EMS responded to the report of a collision at the intersection of East Main Street and Lowes Drive, where three cars and a motorcycle were spread across multiple areas of the four-lane intersection near the Interstate 93 ramp.

An investigation at the scene indicated that the motorcyclist had been stationary at a red light when the first crash occurred, setting off a short chain of collisions, according to Tilton-Northfield Fire Chief Sean Valovanie.

When fire crews arrived at the scene, the motorcyclist did not have a helmet on. “We don’t know if it was removed in the crash or if he didn’t have it on at all,” Valovanie said. “My crew was unsure from an EMS standpoint.”

Initial reports alerted authorities to “severe injuries,” according to Tilton-Northfield Fire and EMS. Three individuals declined transport to the hospital, while another was transported to Concord Hospital in Laconia with non-life-threatening injuries.

The motorcyclist was transported to Concord Hospital in Franklin, where he succumbed to his injuries, according to Tilton-Northfield Fire and EMS.

“This was not a normal motorcycle accident. We encourage all motorcyclists to wear a helmet; it’s not the law, but it’s a very good protective measure,” Valovanie said.

The identities of the drivers, including the motorcyclist, have not yet been released. The Tilton Police Department is requesting that any member of the public with information pertinent to the crash contact Detective Murray at (603) 286-8207 ext. 209.

Franklin, Belmont, Sanbornton, Stewart’s Ambulance Service, NH State Police, NH Department of Transportation and the Belknap County Accident Reconstruction Team provided mutual aid at the scene.