Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash - Route 116, Bethlehem

On 9 September 2019 at approximately 2:15 pm, the Bethlehem Police Department received information regarding a serious crash involving two vehicles and a tractor-trailer on Route 116 in Bethlehem just north of the Littleton town line.

Bethlehem Police, and State Troopers from Troops F, G and the NH State Police Collision, Analysis and Reconstruction Unit are currently on scene investigating and have confirmed one fatality, with two others having been transported to Littleton Regional Hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Route 116 is currently closed, please seek an alternate route.

Update

On 9 September 2019 at 2:01 pm, the Grafton County Dispatch Center received the report of a motor vehicle collision on Route 116 in Bethlehem. The Bethlehem and Littleton Police responded to the scene, rendered aid and assisted the Bethlehem Fire and Rescue and the Littleton Ambulance.

The State Police responded for the crash investigation. The initial investigation revealed that a 2010 Honda Civic had been stopped in the northbound lane of Route 116 preparing to make a left turn into a driveway. This Honda was being driven by 83-year-old Donald Morrow of Bethlehem and his passenger 77-year-old Ellen Morrow of Bethlehem.

A 2004 Western Star Tractor Trailer hauling logs, operated by 68-year-old Michael Annis of Gorham was also traveling north on Route 116. Annis failed to notice the 2010 Honda until the last moment. Annis' truck struck the rear of the Honda. The Honda pushed into the southbound lane. The Honda was then struck by a 2016 Dodge Caravan, which had been traveling south on Route 116, and operated by 76-year-old Therese Chaloux of Stark, NH.

Ellen Morrow was pronounced dead at the scene because of injuries sustained from the crash. Therese Chaloux was transported to Littleton Regional Hospital for evaluation and treatment of apparent minor injuries. Donald Morrow was airlifted by DHART to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for evaluation and treatment for what appears to be serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Michael Annis was not physically injured in the crash.

Speed, alcohol, drugs or mobile device usage do not appear to be factors, however, driver inattention appears to be a factor. All occupants had been wearing seatbelts. The decision on criminal charges will take place once the investigation is complete.

The investigation is being conducted by the NH State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit, assisted by NH State Police Troops F and G, Bethlehem Police and Littleton Police. Route 116 is open after being closed for approximately 3 hours for the investigation.