Two Vehicle Crash Resulting in Tractor-Trailer Overturn

NASHUA, New Hampshire – On June 19, 2023, at approximately 9:35 a.m., Troopers from the New Hampshire State Police Troop B and Troop G Barracks arrived at the scene of a crash on the F.E. Everett Turnpike North in the area of mile marker 1.2 within the city of Nashua. Initial investigation determined that the crash involved two vehicles, a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer, and resulted in the tractor-trailer overturning and coming to final rest on its side in the median and partially in the left northbound lane. 

Arthur Bettencourt, age 57, of Lowell, MA was operating a blue 2010 Peterbilt 367 Tractor pulling an empty Mac Trailer when he sideswiped a black 2022 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck being operated by Thomas Ennion, age 70, of Billerica, MA. After impact, the tractor and trailer veered to the left and struck the cement jersey barrier and guardrail within the median before overturning onto its side. The point of impact took place within a highway construction zone that had caused Mr. Ennion to slow the Chevrolet Colorado that he was operating. As Mr. Bettencourt operated the tractor-trailer through this work zone behind the Colorado, it appears that he was unable to sufficiently respond to the slowing traffic and attempted to make a lane change. Mr. Bettencourt was unable to do this safely which resulted in the tractor-trailer sideswiping the Chevrolet Colorado.  

The left lane along the F.E. Everett Turnpike northbound and southbound were shut down in the immediate aftermath of this incident resulting in significant traffic delays. Lane closures remained in place for approximately four hours. The State Police were assisted on scene by members of the Nashua Police and Fire Departments as well as the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. A subsequent diesel fuel leak from the tractor trailer was handled by the Department of Environmental Services.     

The primary contributing factors appear to be Mr. Bettencourt’s speed and following distance while within a highway construction zone, however, all aspects remain under investigation. Anyone who witnessed this crash or who may have dashboard camera footage of the event is asked to contact Trooper Thomas Skafidas at (603) 227-2147 or Thomas.W.Skafidas@dos.nh.gov.