Route 16 crash: Pickup truck driver hospitalized after hitting plow truck in Dover

Two people are in the hospital after a crash on Route 16 in Dover, NH. This happened on March 6 when a pickup truck hit a plow truck.
By Newsroom | Traffic Accidents, New Hampshire |

Driver Behavior Under Scrutiny After Collision

A collision on Route 16 in Dover, New Hampshire, on March 6, resulted in two individuals being transported to area hospitals. The incident involved a pickup truck and a New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NH DOT) plow truck. Authorities are pointing to negligent and distracted driving as potential causal factors, though the investigation remains active.

The driver of the pickup, identified as Michael Willette, 52, of Dover, was reportedly trapped in his vehicle and required extraction by emergency crews. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The driver of the NH DOT plow truck, Luke Marsters, 32, of New Durham, was also transported for a precautionary medical evaluation.

Roadway Impact and Investigation

The crash, which occurred on Route 16 North, temporarily disrupted traffic. Both lanes were closed at one point, with traffic being diverted to the right breakdown lane for approximately one hour as authorities cleared the scene. The New Hampshire State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is leading the ongoing investigation into the exact cause of the accident. The state police are also appealing for anyone with information regarding the collision to come forward.

Read More: NC Highway 210 Crash on March 6 Sends 6 to Hospital

Incident Details

  • Date of Incident: March 6 (reported as "today" in one source, "2 days ago" in others, consistent with recent publication)

  • Location: Route 16, Dover, New Hampshire

  • Vehicles Involved: Pickup truck and NH DOT plow truck

  • Injuries: Two individuals hospitalized (one driver from each vehicle)

  • Injuries to Pickup Driver (Michael Willette): Non-life-threatening

  • Injuries to Plow Truck Driver (Luke Marsters): Precautionary medical evaluation

  • Agencies Responding: New Hampshire State Police (Troop A and Troop G), Dover Fire & Rescue, NH DOT.

  • Investigation Lead: NH State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction (CAR) Unit

  • Preliminary Causal Factors Identified: Negligent driving, distracted driving.

Context and Background

The use of plow trucks by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation is standard procedure during inclement weather to maintain road safety. Incidents involving these vehicles, particularly collisions, draw scrutiny regarding the operational conditions and driver behavior of all parties involved. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the sequence of events and definitively determine contributing factors. The mention of distracted and negligent driving highlights a recurring concern in traffic safety investigations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened on Route 16 in Dover, New Hampshire on March 6?
A pickup truck crashed into a New Hampshire Department of Transportation plow truck on Route 16 North. Two people were taken to the hospital.
Q: Who was injured in the Route 16 crash on March 6?
Michael Willette, 52, of Dover, the driver of the pickup truck, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The plow truck driver, Luke Marsters, 32, of New Durham, was also taken to the hospital for a check-up.
Q: What caused the crash on Route 16 in Dover on March 6?
The New Hampshire State Police are investigating the crash. They are looking into whether negligent or distracted driving was a cause. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.
Q: How did the crash on Route 16 affect traffic on March 6?
Both lanes of Route 16 North were closed for about an hour after the crash. Traffic was sent to the breakdown lane while emergency crews cleared the scene.