Elderly Wakefield man among two hurt in Route 16 crash

MILTON - Two drivers, including an elderly Wakefield man, were injured on Wednesday in a head-on crash on Route 16 in Milton.

The incident, which occurred as the roadway began to turn icy due to an incoming storm, was called into first responders around 3:45 p.m.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2011 Chevy Silverado, being driven by Dennis Hartigan, 60, of Saugus, Mass., was traveling southbound on Route 16 he lost control of his vehicle and entered the northbound lane of travel, striking a 2006 Hyundai Tucson being driven by James Guptill, 82, of East Wakefield.

The Silverado also sustained heavy damage.

Hartigan and Guptill sustained what were described as nonlife-threatening injuries and were transported to the Frisbie Memorial Hospital for treatment. Both men were wearing their seatbelts.

Speed on Hartigan's part is being looked at as a possible cause, however, all aspects are being investigated.

The highway was reduced to one lane for about 45 minutes and traffic was diverted off at Exit #17.

Assisting the New Hampshire State Police at the scene were the Milton Police Department, the Farmington Police Department, the Milton Fire Department, the Rochester Fire Department, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

This accident remains under investigation by Trooper Eric Call. Anyone with information pertaining to this accident is asked to contact Trooper Call, NH State Police-Troop A at (603) 223-8490.