DWI Crash - Route 16, Dover

On Friday March 23, 2018 at approximately 6:51 a.m., the New Hampshire State Police was notified of a motor vehicle collision on the exit 9 southbound on-ramp to Route 16 in the City of Dover. New Hampshire State Police, along with Dover Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the scene and found a single vehicle involved. The 2009 Hyundai Tucson had traveled over the guardrail and plummeted down an embankment, approximately 65 feet into the woods. Dover Fire Rescue was able to extricate the operator. The operator of the vehicle was a Jesse Blais, age 39, of, Dover New Hampshire. Blais sustained Minor injuries in the collision and was transported to Wentworth Douglass Hospital in Dover. Blais was eventually arrested at the hospital and charged with driving while intoxicated. Blais is due in the 7th Circuit Dover District Court on April 3, 2018 at 12:30 p.m.

Based upon the initial on-scene investigation, it appears that the Hyundai Tucson was entering exit 9 southbound when Blais failed to negotiate the corner, traveled up the snowbank, and plummeted down the embankment.

The New Hampshire State Police was assisted on scene by members of the Dover Fire and Rescue, New Hampshire Department of Transportation, and National Wrecker Service. Due to the collision, traffic was impacted in the area of Exit 9 for approximately 2 hours.

At this time it appears that alcohol is a factor in this crash, however all aspects remain under investigation. Anyone that may have further information related to this collision, or who witnessed this collsion, are encouraged to contact Trooper Christopher Pieniazek at 603-223-8490 or by email at christopher.pieniazek@dos.nh.gov.