Tractor trailer overturns after sideswiping pickup, leading to massive traffic jam

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 (NHSP photo)

NASHUA - Speed is being blamed on a collision between a pickup and a tractor trailer that caused it to overturn in Nashua, causing a massive traffic nightmare on the F.E. Everett Turnpike.

]The rollover occurred around 9:35 a.m., in the northbound lanes in the area of mile marker 1.2 where an initial investigation revealed that the crash led to the tractor trailer overturning and coming to a final rest in the median and partially in the left northbound lane.

Police say Arthur Bettencourt, 67, of Lowell, Mass., was operating a 2010 Peterbilt 367 Tractor pulling an empty Mac Trailer when he sideswiped a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck being operated by Thomas Ennion, 70, of Billerica, Mass. 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 Ennion to slow the Chevrolet Colorado.

As 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, which resulted in the 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 around four hours.

There were no reported injuries in the crash.

A Department of Safety press release noted that the primary contributing factors appear to be 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.