North Conway man seriously injured in horrific crash at Rochester tolls

The crash blocked traffic off from several of the lanes while the scene was investigated and cleared. (NH State Police photos)

ROCHESTER - A North Conway man was injured on Thursday when his vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier at the Spaulding Turnpike Rochester tolls.

The crash occurred around 1:05 p.m. at a northbound unmanned tollbooth. When State Troopers arrived they found a 2014 Subaru Impreza on its side on the north side, with its driver, Ronald Theriault, 65, of North Conway, trapped inside.

Theriault was extricated by Rochester Fire and Rescue personnel and transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital with what were described as serious but nonlife threatening injuries.

Preliminary investigation by state troopers revealed that Theriault was traveling northbound when he tried to quickly change from one lane to another and drove head on into the concrete barrier of the unmanned tollbooth. The Impreza then went airborne, traveled over the top of the unmanned booth, and struck a 2019 Chevrolet van being driven by Dana Joy, 40, of Barrington.

Rochester Fire Department members work at the scene of Thursday crash at the Rochester tolls.

No other injuries were reported in the crash.

One lane of the Rochester toll plaza remained open in both directions while the crash was being investigated and the vehicle was removed from the roadway.

One of the northbound lanes remained closed while repairs were being made, while southbound lanes stayed open.

The New Hampshire State Police were assisted at the scene by members of the Rochester Fire Department and the NH Department of Transportation.